Man-Talk

"love you" he said

over wires stretched under the Atlantic

[on 10 cent Sunday to Germany

and most of Western Europe]

 

the slip --

he was somewhere absently offering farewell to

his wife/dad/son --

 

nonetheless stuffed the pause

with awkwardness.

 

"I know" I sent - smirk almost visible

to relieve the moment.

then quick --

"I'll have Kan call Tammy next week"

"yeah - later"

 

still savoring my best-friend's embarrassment

(wondering if he would tell his wife)

(I just told Mark I loved him)

(what, is he dying?)

I was warmed

that I had fit, even if by accident

into that inmost list --

the feeling reciprocated

if never said

and covered by mirth.

**

I don't remember when I wrote this poem exactly - probably 2004 or so. It was based on a real moment.