What Is Your Emergency? Poem by Theresa Ann Moore

Hearing the ringing of the phone
Roused from restful slumber
Outstretched arm seeking…
Numb hand grasping
As the cradle falls to the floor

Sleepily the conversation ends
Searching on all fours
With blind eyes
Discovering the base…
Hammering to reunite
Upside down, right side up
The phone begins to ring
911…
What is the nature of your emergency?

Stunned…I made no call for help
Yes, you called…what is the emergency?
None, I declared…I only was trying
To hang up the phone
Are you sure?
Yes… Sorry

Knowing the anxious voice
Was disbelieving…
Visualizing flashing red lights
Imagining shrill sirens
Desiring unattainable sleep