A poem taken from the GP publication :

Getting a Life
by Robyn Crocker

The Telephone

Her heart is breaking
her world is caving in
The drama increases in proportions
as her voice travels 400 miles
along telephone lines to my ear

She needs a shoulder to cry on
loving eyes, warm arms
I can supply none of these
only quiet reassurance
firm in my voice as it returns to her

I lie awake all night
I toss I turn I worry
What I should have said
How could I have helped

Towards dawn I sleep fitfully
gruesome dreams of the only way out
for a depressed teenager
A coffin A funeral A stricken mother
I could have prevented this

Early morning, don't wait, dial her number
Are you OK
I've been so worried
sleepy voice answers, confused, annoyed
What's your problem
I'm not depressed
Geez Mum - get a life!

Copyright © 1997 by Robyn Crocker. All rights reserved.

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