By JM
Date: 4 June 1998

Lukewarm Anticipation

I rush hurridly down the weaving lane,
pausing to stop just once,
bending gently at the knees to
retrieve a crushed velvet flower...
rushing toward the mailbox which
will certainly contain the much
anticipated birthday greetings.

Nothing.  Not a one.  Mom's even forgotten...again.

Nearing home, I hear the phone ringing
and begin running toward the happy jangling...
as my neighbor's machine picks up
on the third ring... 

[My own machine reads "0 NEW MESSAGES, MAY 26, 1998."
Caller-ID provides a similar salutation.]

Great!  Just perfect.

Even my e-mailbox is empty....
for some reason I didn't even get
my "daily recipe" I've received for over a year now.

(I have never felt more alone).