The orchestra has paused

The cacophony calmed, the conductor’s arms stilled

The silence rests on every dusty surface 

And you are on the other line

And we have been calling for five hours

I tell you look at the time

And you say time doesn’t exist

I know you’re right because I am so awake

Suspended in the beat between phrases

Taking cover beneath the fermata 

And every few minutes you yawn

I ask are you tired

And you say no, keep talking

We always say too much

We always know this as we say it

We are always spoiling the next movement

But tonight, you have promised it’s over

And I have already written the program notes

For the next piece in the concert

So we are saying everything through nothing

Trying to resolve every cadence and chord 

But we keep talking about tv shows 

And it’s 3:30 when your voice grows weak

I know you can’t hold on much longer

I whisper should I hang up

And you sound just like a little boy

When you murmur no, please

Stay until I fall asleep

And I know the orchestra is waiting on my cue

But I say okay