Public Conversation

Hello
skinny Indian kid speaks softly into a pay phone
red plastic haze in a small town
heavy bank clouds, big sky

Hello
the wondering pleading in his voice
it comes and goes with each scratchy hearing
phonograph semis passing with the dirt dog close by

But when the question waits
without an answer
too long
will he leave forgotten?

Hello
crying to the distant end of the line
pointing straight out without curvature
curve along the way

Hello
senseless voices calling out
to be heard
to remember that quasi quiet chant testament

Hello he tries
once more
trying to break through the plastic static distortion
of a small town calling a greater world collect.