Hermit's Confession Poem by Donal Mahoney

So I never go out
but I'm never at home
so that's why I never
answer the phone.
You can believe me.
I'll tell you why.

The caller could be
someone I never
want to see,
someone who never
wants to see me.
Or so we agreed.

The truth can remain
hidden for years
till hung out to dry
in the summer sun
for all to see
like a nuclear plume.

So I never go out
but I'm never at home
so that's why I never
answer the phone.
You can believe me.
I've told you why.