Pity Party Poem

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 Pity Party Poem


1 minute and 55 seconds

The call record reflects

But it took 15 seconds for us to connect

And 15 more for us to disconnect

and 30 seconds to ask vapid questions like

Why is your screen black?

Can you see me?

Can you hear me? 

Why are you blurry? 

Are you going to sing with me?


Then, I wasted at least 10 more

singing like my mom always does

happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you

Answering her question of

“But where are you at home?” 

with a slow pan of the outdoors


“Are you ready for a fun day

 at school today?”

I ask

“Yessss” she grins.

(I can’t see her face but I can hear it)

“Bye mama”

I say “I love you!” just a dash too urgent.

Then it ends. 


It’ll be two more sleeps

Till I can smell the top of her head

Someone please tell me this is worth it

God, I need that crystal ball


My baby is turning 8 today


The silver lining: I won’t be seeing her

Which is probably for the best being that,

( as you can undoubtedly see,)

I’m following the family tradition

of once again

making it all

about me. 


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