You called.
Your voice
was not like it used to be.

I couldn’t hear us in it anymore.

You were
stealing twenty minutes
you said.

You spoke first.

I spoke second.
And then you said
you had to go.

Your voice was familiar -

I knew exactly how you looked
as you said each word.
But that was all.

They're calling you downstairs -

I can hear you smile as
you say goodbye.
Filled with words for now.

Friend.