It seemed a wrong number
that caused it, my fear.
The phone ringing
just three times that night
just after midnight
and that voice
asking for someone like me.
I said there was no one here
by the name of Jimmy.

Next night it rang
like the night before.


Why was someone calling?
Calling at this hour.
I climbed out of bed
walked naked to the phone.

Yes, Hello, whose there?
The pause was long

A voice, mechanical, whispering
said Hello, I want to speak to Jimmy.
There's no one here by that name,
there's nothing I can do to help you.
My heart raced, my palms were moist
adrenalin accelerated.

Outside, steam from hot roofs and sidewalks
freewheeled to a darkened sky.

Next night I let it ring and ring
before answering
but there was no one there.
The night after it didn't ring at all.

At twelve precisely, the following night
it rang again. I sprang and answered,
Yes, what can I do to help?
It was that voice, my stranger,
Yes, he said, it is needed.
What is? I said.
To speak right now to Jimmy.

I paused,
the smell of honeysuckle
rose upwards from the patio
sweeter than my aromatic fear
I said,

It's Jiimmy,
you know it is.
His relief was audible.
I've found you at last
he said
mechanically, menacing, whispery

There is ,he said for you
great danger, possibly murder and death.

I didn't speak but
put down the phone
turned and went
for my suitcase.

 

 

(c) JJ