Twenty Minutes Pass

"I'm not crazy. I just needed someone to talk to"
"Holidays can be a stressful time, but I'm really glad you called"
"Yeah, right. I'm sure there's nothing else you'd rather be doing"
"Actually, I'm very happy to be here"

"It's not fair - you know my name but I don't know yours"
"It's Jason"
"Jason? Is that your real name or the name they make you use?"
"The one they make me use. It's really ****"

"So did you lose a coin flip or something?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean how'd you get suckered into working Christmas?"
"Just lucky, I guess"

Twenty minutes pass.

"So is that pathetic or what?"
"Actually it sounds like you've handled it pretty well"
"It just seems like it's getting harder and harder"
"But you're getting stronger and stronger"

"Karen is not my real name"
"I know, but that's OK"
"There's something else I should tell you"

Twenty minutes pass.

"I'm gonna finish watching 'Traveling Pants'"
"I admit - that made me cry"
laughing "I should have guessed"
"Shhh, don't tell anyone"

"I think I'm going to be OK"
"I think so too"
"I almost didn't call"
"It made my day that you did"

Twenty seconds pass.

"Thank you" *click*

"No, thank you"

Things That Separate Us

A half a lifetime
twenty seven miles
your well-meaning friends
my hidden guilt

A fraction of an inch
an unspoken promise
a glance in a crowd
the scent of Amarige

Three more hours
a 12 year old vow
an uneasy laugh
fear of tomorrow morning

A forlorn sigh
surpressed pain
memories that don't go away
forbidden desire

A knock at the door
hurt in a child's eyes
a knowing look from a stranger
an ounce of gold

To Andrea I Never Knew

You don't know who I am but I know everything you want in the world.
You're an innocent soul filled with hope, taking giddy pleasure in simplicity.
Hungry Hungry Hippos

I've never seen you but I know your eyes are filled with wonder.
You long to explore, uncover and conquer mysterious worlds.
Dragon Books

We've never spoken but I know what you need.
Child-like joy in winter's fury.
Hat & Mittens

I've never felt you squeeze my hand but I know what's in your heart
You hide the isolation you feel from being different.
Sparkly Jeans & Soft Sweater - Size 8

I don't know where you live but I can picture your room
The few things you treasure neatly stowed away.
Floor Puzzle

I hope I never exist in your world. I wish that you know nothing more than the simple pleasure of getting everything you've asked for on Christmas morning. And more. Because I know you're thankful for everything you have. I won't be there to see it but I know your smile will light up the room and I will feel it in my heart.

Merry Christmas Andrea - you're more than just a name on a tree.

5:37AM

She had left her wineglass half-full
on my copper topped coffee table
from the night before, before bed
directly beneath the vase centerpiece

a tulip petal had fallen perfectly
and settled into the Bleasdale Shiraz
like a disembodied cupped hand
a ringless finger as the apex

Addict Basic 253 on the rim
formed a streaked opaque heart
more are scattered round the room
the mirror, a pen, my neck