Leave a Message After the Beep

It's always hardest, when there is no one to talk to-
When I dial your number, and it just rings and rings
Until the dreaded "voice mail" picks up.
For just an instant, when there is that brief crackle and "click"-
My hopes skyrocket that you have picked up the phone and answered, when I needed it most, the moment I am most frantic...
But when, in reality, it's just that pre-recorded message that I've heard a million times before; how I loath it
And I feel my heart sinking, like there are anchors tied all around it, dragging it into the depths of my stomach!
Where are you? Can you not feel my desperation through the infinite channels of the universe, or are they clogged and busy, too?
Don't you know that I need you, perhaps now, more than ever?
I know you're at that fancy French restaurant you're always talking about, drinking fine wine and eating escargot, possibly dancing the night away.
While I am here, all alone, eating my own heart out for supper.
All I need, all I want, is a compassionate voice on the other end of the line, talking me down off the ledge once again.
Don't you know I've had too much to drink; that I am listening to sad songs and thinking about doing it again- that awful thing which leaves me so terribly scarred when I wake from my stupor? The cuts. You know, those things you hate to see marring my arms.
But I'll have to resort to self-will and self-control, of which I have so very little...
I may or may not make it through another night of melancholy and self-loathing.
Please, for the love of God, pick up the damn phone!

*Any Poem Goes Contest Entry
~JustThatArchaicPoet
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

Poem

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Lamoureux Avatar
November 12, 2013 at 8:14 AM
Enjoyed reading this one again in light of Sandra's piece.
That Archaic Poet Avatar
November 12, 2013 at 8:19 AM
Thanks, Richard :)
Mehta Avatar
November 11, 2013 at 4:42 AM
Congratulations on the win, JTAP
That Archaic Poet Avatar
November 11, 2013 at 6:14 AM
Many thanks, Doc :)
A  Avatar
November 10, 2013 at 9:40 PM
Just that Archaic Poet ... Congratulations, thanks for the support..... ~SKAT~ LOVE
That Archaic Poet Avatar
November 11, 2013 at 4:38 AM
Thanks, Skat :)
Adams Avatar
October 13, 2013 at 7:10 PM
this piece speaks volumes to me, as a young child, I was there, people do not understand how it eased the pain of others...writing is the best therapy around, sometimes my muse even shocks me... enjoyed this write! Powerful words! Hugs :)
That Archaic Poet Avatar
October 14, 2013 at 8:09 AM
Very kind of you to say, Sandra; thank you :)
Dietrich Avatar
October 10, 2013 at 10:37 PM
this is intense, and I like this one of yours.
That Archaic Poet Avatar
October 11, 2013 at 7:48 AM
It is pretty serious; glad you liked it. Thanks for the review, Andrea :)
Davis Avatar
October 9, 2013 at 9:18 AM
Archaic This write is strong and deep. You allow the reader to feel your sorrow and pain. We all need someone to talk with when our world is crumbling around us. Just to hear a kind word from a friendly voice helps, Glad you really didn't do anything. If you need that friend, soup mail me Hugs
That Archaic Poet Avatar
October 10, 2013 at 12:34 PM
That's very kind of you, Robin; it means the world to me. I appreciate you dropping by and reviewing; thank you for the compliments :)
Andresen Avatar
October 5, 2013 at 6:17 AM
- Touching reading .... however, proficient written! - Wishing you a great weekend. - Hope the "sun" will shine on you. - oxox // Anne-Lise :)
That Archaic Poet Avatar
October 5, 2013 at 6:24 AM
Thanks, Anne Lise; I appreciate that. I wish the same for you as well :)
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