Joe Flach Poet Rhyme

The Red, Flashing 1 On My Answering Machine

I saw that red, flashing “1” on my answering machine
and stared at it for over an hour;
in my thoughts replayed that terrible scene –
she must have called while I was in the shower.

Perhaps that message is one of remorse;
Perhaps it continues the fight;
Hit the button to listen … I couldn’t, of course
and watched it flashing throughout the night.

We volleyed words of anger and disgust;
She left with a slam of the door.
Where once stood love is only mistrust -
this has happened a few times before.
 
I stared at that “1” flashing at me,
and realized this ending I must complete –
it was time I set both of us free,
so I pressed the button – “Delete”.

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Andrea Dietrich April 17, 2014 at 11:15 PM wow, this is really good and I can see below someone saying glad it is fiction. I don't think I could delete. That would take some bravery, and then again, maybe I could do it!!!

Ilene Bauer April 16, 2014 at 5:48 PM glad to read that this is fiction, but it's a great poem! i love the whole idea of wondering what's on the answering machine, but i don't think i'd ever have the courage to just hit delete without listening first...

Carolyn Devonshire April 16, 2014 at 2:44 PM Dear Joe, Sometimes we do have to let go of relationships that are doing more harm than good, but I hope you are not going through anything like this right now. How wonderfully crafted your poem is, my friend. An answering machine with a flashing "1" is sitting next to me as I write. It did make me remember that my father had left a message just half an hour before his stroke on New Year's Day. Tearing up a bit. Love to a truly great friend and poet, Carolyn Joe Flach April 16, 2014 at 3:05 PM Thanks Carolyn. No, I am not going through anything like this. I was just sitting at my PC and saw the light blinking and let my imagination go wild. I actually did think about a scenario somewhat like what you shared ... a message from someone who may have died ... but when the words escaped from my fingertips, I got this instead. Thanks for reading it and leaving a comment. Sorry it conjured up sad memories. Joe

Tim Smith April 16, 2014 at 1:50 PM Wow this is great Joe...I don't think I would have the courage to press delete. Joe Flach April 16, 2014 at 1:53 PM Nor would I, Tim. But, when you write fiction, you can find the courage to do anything! ;-)