Long Distance Lover

Long Distance Lover


Dripping honey,
so sweet the sound
of your voice
burning
across miles
of telephone wires.

I treasure
your words and news
about the tangled garden,
the fence that needs fixing,
shingles to be replaced
on the leaking roof.

I imagine
your bright red lips
so close to the mouthpiece
yet, so far from me.
The taste of plastic
is no substitute
for your kiss.

You whisper
(things we've said
behind bedroom doors)
then hold the receiver
close to your heart.
I hear it it beating
in rhythm with mine.

"Hey Darlin' (I say)
what are you wearing tonight?"
"You should ask, (you say)
what am I not wearing tonight?
It's your favorite."