The Phone Call
Her fingers follow small streaks of rain
As they race for the bottom of the window.
The reflection of her endless brown eyes
Stays constant above her breath on the glass.
She doesn’t know the reasons why he left
She only knows the pain left in his absence.
Every night she prays to a God she hopes is listening
To bring him home back where he belongs.
Every morning she misses his hugs, laughter and smile.
At the bus stop she always turns to see no one there.
In class she can’t help but write his name over and over.
Sometimes she even hates him for leaving her alone.
After a long ride home she sees the fathers waiting there,
Then studies her friends faces as they light up with smiles.
Her eyes fade into silence as she begins her walk home.
She wants to cry but knows she has to be strong.
As she walks in the door the phone begins to ring.
On the other end she hears "Hi honey, it’s daddy!"
As the tears well in her eyes she replies "Hi daddy,
I Love you! When are you coming home?"
In a shaken voice he replies "I love you too honey,
I’ll be home soon. Just take care of mommy for me ok?"
"I will daddy" she said and handed her mom the phone.
She ran for her room and began to cry…
For she knows, just how long "soon" can be.
© 2007 Brian K. Walters
