Pillow Talk

Every time she phones it’s nearly time for bed.

You answer, wishing you could say,

‘I’m too tired to talk now.’

But you say ‘Hi,’ and wait for opening lines.

A conversation splutters into life.

Did you hear from Paul? And You tell how

You pissed him off. Both laugh about it and

words flow. You learn about new clothes

She takes an interest in your new car and

tells about the one Brad bought for her

last week. You know she knows it’s better

than yours, but this is never mentioned.

The subject returns to Paul’s politics, his

strange swing to the right for no apparent

reason. The weather “where you are” is  

discussed in full;  she may visit in the fall.

She inquires about your mum’s health

offering understanding words. You talk

about your favourite TV show. You hear

her eyes glaze over –  it’s time for excuses.

Two hours out of your life when you should

be sleeping and nothing has been said. You

wonder why she phones; You wonder why

you like her to; You wonder why You care