Emergency

First published in Shamrock #30 in February of 2015. Also published in Shamrock Haiku Journal 2012–2018 (Dublin, Ireland: Shamrock Haiku Journal, 2018), p. 259. Originally written in March of 2009, with twelve rejected concluding verses before settling on the final verse here. See also “Shamrock Haiku Journal 2012–2018” (poems from this anthology).

In my distraction, I mistakenly dial the wrong number, but hang up before anyone answers. My eyes grow wide in momentary mortification. Seconds later, the phone rings.

“This is 9-1-1—what’s your emergency?”

“None,” I explain. “I accidentally pressed the wrong speed-dial button. My apologies, but I’m glad to know you called back.”

I hang up the phone, and wonder why it’s so hard to call you. And if I did, whether you would ever call me back.

pink buds

on the cherry

beginning to show