Calling Janine

I used to call your house: “This is
Janine. Leave a message and I’ll return your call.’
Often, once I’d said my name,
You picked up with a laugh.
At work, I called you so often
3725 in my fingers’ muscle memory

I dialed and then you
Were in my office
Or I in yours
A rare working friendship
Our methods, not-so-corporate
But we built an outstanding, warm and
Friendly team among
Driving business units
I retired
You took my place

I heard you were sick and called
Left messages at work
Left messages at home,
Talked to your sister-in-law
But one day you answered

Your voice hoarse, the cancer inexplicable
“One more doctor may operate
Give me more time.”
But mesothelioma moved faster

3725—I called your number
Days after you died
Four rings, then the automaton
Droned “Your call has been forwarded
To an automatic messaging system”
Pause
The mailbox belonging to”
Your voice
“Janine Klein”
Automaton
“is full…”

Your voice
Your voice

Life Observed

Petulance threw dinner across the kitchen
Do not expect me to feel sorry or to
Coddle you. Or to make another plate.
Go to bed. Wake up happy.


Nose tracking lilacs
Past azaleas lit by streetlamps
Spring walk at night


Calling my mother
On a whim one afternoon
Her voice was hoarse
I knew I was the first one
She talked to that day


At the edge of dark
I have failed so often
Do I despair?
Or simply bask
In the sunset


Standing where the dead are waked
Marked for my future
Today, Ash Wednesday

First Sight

In this place of noise and light
Giddy at the end of my marathon
My husband’s kiss still on my lips

I look up into your eyes
Captured, I stare as you’re carried
Across this room of earthy scents
Talk and laughter

But I hear only your voice
Expressing irritation to the crowd
Between us

When they part, your gaze
Holds mine, your eyes bind
I cannot turn away.
All disappears, save you.

Suddenly you are in my arms.
Lost in your eyes, I barely notice
Your bald head, your wrinkles

Your glance strays to my husband’s face
He stares back as I
Hand him your swaddled body
And you start the seduction again.