The Phone Call

The call that comes in darkest sleep,

Awakens with a fright;

For 2 am, the silence breaks

The peaceful calm of night.

When only moments earlier,

I dreamt of visions fair;

Of light and love and happiness;

... Till ringing filled the air.

It beckoned me from deepest sleep,

And drew me from my daze;

I shook my head to clear my mind,

Findfocus through this haze.

"How long has this been ringing?"

As I reach to find the light;

I steal a glance toward the clock,

And now my heart takes flight!

'Tis many hours before the dawn,

Yet all should be in bed;

My loved ones faces fill the night;

... My heart is filled with dread.

I struggle for composure as

I reach to grab the phone;

My stomach churns, my heart contracts;

"Are all my friends at home?"

I stumble as I grasp the handle,

Stifle silent screams;

"Oh God ... please let this phone call

Be a part of just a dream!

"My heart is racing, mind's a whirl,

Receiver's made of lead;

"Oh, how can this be happening!"

"Who's on the other end?!"

Just seconds pass and yet I find

It's been eternity;

I raise the phone to panicked ear;

"Oh please ... don't be for me!"