Speed Dial

Hang ups, 
I’ve got plenty of those 
Like a phone with
too many busy signals,
I couldn’t get through to you.

I think the number  you gave me was out of service.
You said, “Dial me up”
but the damn phone was a push button. 

I called long distance,
the operator said
“Put another quarter in.”
Sadly I only had one thin dime. I wonder if I should have called collect?

All along you had my number. You could have,
given me a ring. After-all I was the marrying kind.
It seems my dial tone was slightly out of tune??

I scratched your number out of my little black book. It was time to find another connection. 

I could say I don’t remember you, but that would be a lie.
You are the crush that never made it to speed dial.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Velasco Avatar
August 8, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Really enjoyed this—such a clever play on phone and relationship metaphors! The “crush that never made it to speed dial” hit me right in the feels. Nicely done!
Manassian Avatar
July 13, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Oh! Her loss. But what an ending line!!! I'm surprised this hasn't gotten more attention It's superb!
Lamoureux Avatar
July 14, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Yep, you never know what catches peoples fancy. I’m pleased you like it.
Seal Avatar
July 3, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Time to throw the little book away methinks, sometimes what seems to be a good thing just turns out not to be. we live and learn.
Lamoureux Avatar
July 5, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Yep, no need for that little book anymore.
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