An Endless Telephone Call

I knew this pulse had 
traveled thru space
with a shivery speed
to reach this felt sole,
these five yards of 
ancient twisted wires 
that gave it sound-
striking its bell three  
times in mournful bursts.

it was too early to hear 
the good news of friends.
Yet, even not quite awake,
I knew between the sounds 
of hello and goodbye  
my happiness and sadness
would exist.     

Dreaming, only half knowing,
anxious and dreading,
I answered it.

It was long distance,
a voice from 35 years ago.
The dead noises of my mother,
greeted me, rattled inside my head.

Night after night,
maybe in the same dream,
about the same time,
she would call 
and awaken me,
unweaning the remains 
of the past
into my future’s 
endless story.