Love Poem: The Red, Flashing 1 On My Answering Machine
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Written by: Joe Flach

The Red, Flashing 1 On My Answering Machine

I saw that red, flashing “1” on my answering machine
and stared at it for over an hour;
in my thoughts replayed that terrible scene –
she must have called while I was in the shower.

Perhaps that message is one of remorse;
Perhaps it continues the fight;
Hit the button to listen … I couldn’t, of course
and watched it flashing throughout the night.

We volleyed words of anger and disgust;
She left with a slam of the door.
Where once stood love is only mistrust -
this has happened a few times before.
 
I stared at that “1” flashing at me,
and realized this ending I must complete –
it was time I set both of us free,
so I pressed the button – “Delete”.