Over There Poem by Patti Masterman

So the scientists touted the breakthrough, that death had at last
been broached; that final deadline crossed forever, and now we could
communicate with anyone who had passed over. The sky was the limit;
dead geniuses could now be quizzed about the worlds problems, which
didn't even exist at the time they had lived. It was the biggest news story in the entire history of mankind.
Everyone wondered just how different things would be, Over There.
An interview was arranged with a newly deceased woman, wife of one of
the scientists, so he was picked to lead with the questions.
Lists of questions were submitted and a lottery drawn, so everyone had
a fair chance of having their questions answered.
At the selected time, the television and reporting crews assembled, the bright lights were set up, and the clock began its countdown, as everyone held their breath. It seemed impossible, but here it was about to happen..
At exactly 2 p.m, the scientist cleared his throat and began to read from his list of questions, beginning by addressing the antecedent by name.
'Dearest Wilma, you have been selected as the first communicant from
the other side, so whenever you are ready, please begin by telling us your name, date of death, and whatever you can remember about the dying process- utilizing whatever apparatus you the dead have, with which to remember earthly things-' when suddenly, unexpectedly, he was interrupted by vile cursing. It rang out loud and clear on the translating equipment, which had the ability to take seemingly formless signals from the ether and translate them into language, when an appropriate energy field had been detected.
'John Peterson, you blankety-blank-blank-blank, is that you? It's too cold here- and- and- it's dark too; it's just like you to allow me to come all the way here, wherever I've got to, into infernal darkness, while you- you enjoy all the perks of home.. I've got half a mind to scalp you alive, I do. I don't give a crap about your danged old science experiments, I already told you about a million times- Oh!
I knew I should have listed to Mother, all those years ago..you better get me back home, and I mean RIGHT NOW, if you want to talk to me, Mister Chatty man, big shot scientist..'
The airwaves went dead then, and the experiment was sadly abandoned.
It seemed, we should have known all along what to expect, from the Over There..