When there's nobody on the other line,
he feels betrayed with spite.
When there's nobody on the other line,
he reflects on questions still sheathed.
When there's nobody on the other line,
he lets the nicotine calm his nerves.
When there's nobody on the other line,
he replays scenes from B-rated sci fi movies in his head.
When there's nobody on the other line,
he itemizes his grocery store necessities.
When there's nobody on the other line,
he curses his debilitating compulsions.
When there's nobody on the other line,
he writes his own eulogy.
When he's not on the other line,
he is gone for good.