Several friends, weary of unwanted phone calls, have told me they never answer the phone anymore; if it’s important, the caller will leave a message. When the caller shares that point of view, a volley of voice messages could surely ensue. For me it’s not an option. I wouldn’t want to miss a call like the one which inspired this poem:
A friend called this morning
while I was stirring the cream in my coffee
for the fourth time, or maybe the sixth,
and listening to a dog barking in the distance.
She didn’t have much to say, she sheepishly began,
just wanted to tell me she had found
an app which rescued her lost pictures
that had never really gone anywhere.
The bounce in her voice made my heart come out to play
and we hopped and skipped to the music we share,
while barking ceased and the dog lay down, head on paws.
After we said goodbye, I thought of you
and all the messages we’ve sent
and I want you to know — in case you worry as I do
that a phone call might bother a friend —
I’m longing for you to bother me.
A variety of services and apps can help minimize unwanted calls, according to USA Today. My home is much quieter since the purchase of one of AT&T’s CL-series of phones, pictured above. The system won’t ring unless the caller states a name or has already been identified as a welcome contact.
Love it, Mom!
Thanks!
Lovely words.
Thank you, Gwynne.
so true…those connections bring joy!
Yes, I’m longing for you to bother me, Ellen.
Just read it again more slowly. It is a lovely poem. Nice work..
Thank you, Carol. I’m glad you took a second look.
Nice! A celebration the moments that make a friendship.
I like your perspective on this poem, Becky. Thanks for sharing that thought.
Thanks for the poem, Sally. It will help take the edge off all those darn robo calls.
Thank YOU, Lynda, for making me smile with your comment.
Loved hearing about being in the moment with the observation of the gnat and “having your heart come out to play” – beautiful expression!
I’m so glad you enjoyed both “Reveling in Wood” and “The Phone Call,” Sharon. Funny, how little things can mean a lot when you’re paying attention.