the conversation

it's a bad connection.

she's in

and out.

her voice fades,

it sounds like she's underwater

or in a cave

with the swirl

of bats

around her.

she could be on the moon.

the line

crackles.

i'm sorry, i tell her,

what did you

just say?

she's been talking for an

hour

without taking

a breath.

i believe she could swim

the English

Channel underwater

if she put

her mind to it.

never mind, she says.

okay,

i tell her.

bye for now.