How to Make the Phone Ring

by Raven Garland
(Fairfield, IA, USA)

Say "Call me, darling,"
Give him your number
And give him a wink,
That should make the phone ring
I think.

Be willing to sacrifice lovable things,
your clothing, your rabbit, your old diamond rings.

I HAVE A LOVELY BROWN RABBIT FOR SALE
WITH FLOPPY EARS AND A CUTE LITTLE TAIL.
INTERESTED PARTIES CALL ME AT HOME
I WILL GLADLY ANSWER THE PHONE.

There are other ways too,
to make the phone ring.
When sitting alone-
Stare at the phone.
Recite incantations,
Transmit expectations,
Be patient, magnetic
Be ready to hear it-
Walk away, nonchalant like,
Then lie down right near it.

Make friends with the silence if no one does call.

In the end, call yourself,
call again,
call
and
call.