After he sends
sunrise reflections,
and plans,
and dreams,
and musings;

After asking her questions,
then calling,
and scheduling
and hoping to talk
and waiting …
and waiting,
… and waiting …

her short,
late text
recounting a busy day,
(too busy to contact him?),
and a recharging phone
(no other phones work?),
and a late-night visit
to parents,
(so no talking is possible,)
then a terse “Good night!”
is the response received.

Knowing how
the romantic
l o n g s
for contact,
for words spoken
and written;

knowing how
the last few days
had transformed hope
into dreams;
wishes
into action;

in that context
of longing
and waiting,
and pained anguish
and suspense,

“I want you”
and
“I miss you”
ring
hollow
on his
heart.