530
It’s too early for phone calls
But I wake up to my phone buzzing
Then it stops
Moments later
Another call
Because something isn’t right
Your sister is in the hospital
The baby is alright but
She has bleeding
On her brain
And it does not look good
I will let you know more
When I know more

535
Making a phone call
To a bishop’s home
Strangers
Apologizing because
I know it’s early but
My sister is in the hospital
And my mother requested you come
Because my father
Is working
Out of the country
I’m so sorry for
The trouble

600
Waiting
Hoping
But it’s like I already know

700
Phone call
Calmly
Please call your siblings
Tell them if they’d like
To say goodbye
They should come now

715
Calling
Slow breathing
Keep emotions in line
Hi
Mom said we can come
Say goodbye
Do you need a ride?
Okay
Be sure to eat something
I know you don’t feel like it
But it will help keep you
From going into shock
Even just a piece of bread
I’ll see you there
I love you.

Repeat.
Repeat.
Repeat.

I choke on
The last call
My tears won’t
Stop falling.

*timeline of the reaper

from my first poetry book,
Still Growing Wildflowers.