she always returned calls

i hear

her phone ringing,

as she

lies

in her coffin.

it's in her hand, 

perpetually

there

for years.

and now in a death

grip.

i look over

my shoulder

and ask

if maybe

someone should

get that?

finally it

goes to voicemail

and we hear

her voice

one more time

before the casket

is lowered.

i'm out and about,

she says,

but i'll return your

call just as

soon as possible.

everyone

stares at their phones

and waits.