It's 12 AM
Phone in my hand
Pen and paper on the desk
A cup of coffee by my side

It's ghost-quiet
Nothing in this room is making a sound,
except for the distant yelling somewhere
and my painful sobs.

'I love you' that's what mom sent.
I have already typed my reply,
yet I'm too scared to click send
so I deleted it instead.
Then I put my phone down,
I blew a sigh and whisper
'I love you too Mom'

© Pat Alfonso