By Nikki
Date: 4 December 2000

My Addiction

‘Hel-lo’
The tremors are already 
rushing down my spine as your
voice rasps over me like 5
o’clock shadow.  You don’t have
to say who you are, and I
can’t remember a time when
you did.  Your voice echos through
my mind and I ache for the 
moments when you call from the 
road and try to find reasons
to call when you’re home because 
I know you won’t call me; you 
don’t need me during that week.
I hold my breath and my flesh 
begins to heat as I wait 
for your next words.  The content 
never matters because it’s 
always business except for 
that one phone call, but we don’t 
think of that one.  I am not 
disappointed.  Your words flow 
over me like the Captain
or Jack rushing down my throat
to pool in my tummy.  That 
familiar burn begins and 
I struggle to control my 
words, ever fearful that I 
will embarrass myself.  You 
couldn’t possibly know how 
much these moments mean to me.  
I absorb the sound of your 
laughter and lightly release 
a most contented sigh.  You 
are my addiction and I’ve 
had my fix, but as we hang 
up I wonder how many 
hours it will be before 
I once again need that fix 
to tame the ever-present 
craving you command.
NL 12/4/00