5933

         5933



I pick up the phone
Dial the familiar numbers
As it begins to ring, my mind drifts away.

The number 5933 keeps repeating in my head
A soothing song I have known for thirty-one years.

I await that soft, wise but stern voice I am aching to hear
Beep ---Beep
A cold high-pitched electric voice comes over the receiver
“The number you have dialed is no longer in service.”

Tears crawl their way down my cheeks
Carving a wet river to my chin
The message is plain and clear
You have been gone but only a year.



By Patti Crowder
2008 September 5