If There Is Background Noise

If there is background noise
on both ends of the phone
then you are really, really lucky
              for there is nothing more sickening than
              the sight of two people in love
as they let each other know
their X and Y coordinates

              You want her to know where you are
              because you want to know where she is

If there is background noise
only on your end of the phone
(highly unlikely, considering she’s
              a very, very nice girl) she could be
              in a hotel room in Paris
while at home you are thinking
she’ll spend the weekend at her sister’s

              You want to know where she is
              because you want her all to yourself

Now if there is background noise
on just her end of the phone
then you should reflect on your actions:
              A girl like that doesn’t deserve to be left
              in the dark, alone and clueless
when you told her you had to work
overtime (with your secretary)

              She wants to know where you are
              But you don’t want to tell her

But if the background noise disappears
on both sides of the phone
then maybe it’s about time.
              You failed to notice her
              noise faded a long time ago
while you were giving her lame excuses
and she doesn’t give a damn where you are at all


*Old poem, circa May 17, 2005