Dear David:

We are deeply gratified that you gave us the opportunity
to read your poems.  Notice that we say “opportunity”
rather than “submission,” for truly you graced us with works
of such enduring power, so sublime, so transcendent,
that our humble words scarce can adequately praise
the sacred privilege of reading them.

Seldom, no, never has human experience been so distilled,
so purified, so exalted, yet so exposed
in all its paradox, its shades and sunbursts,
shouts and silences, the hiding places redolent of inner light,
as in these timeless works.  

A calm breeze from the desert’s edge at dusk,
the chatter of a mockingbird at dawn,
the rumble and crash of a hidden waterfall,
the laughter of a child unseen in a cool wood’s shade,
emanate so intensely from the shapes of these letters
that our faith in the power of language to evoke reality
has been nourished and restored to its proper place.

However, we regret to inform you
that your poems do not meet our needs at this time,
which are for relevant poems for the upcoming
theme issue on Hammer Toes.

We hope you will consider us for future opportunities.

Sincerely,

The editors of ******* Quarterly

I remain
Uncertain
Until you observe me
Validate me
Make me real
When you look
I exist

8:33 PM
Hey,
are you there?
I'm just looking for someone to talk to.
If you get this message, please me call me back.
Bye.
Click

9:01 PM
Hey,
did you get my other message?
I...
Click

9:56 PM
Hey,
sorry, but it's me again. I don't mean to bother you, but... yeah. Could you give me a ring when you get this?
See you.
Click

12:06 AM
Hey,
I don't know where you are right now, but... I wish you were here. With me. I don't want to be alone now.
Uh...
Click

1:29 AM
Hey,
I miss you. It's really late right now, so that might sound weird, but it's true. I really hope you delete this message when you get it.
Bye.
Click

2:37 AM
Hey,
I don't know if you get any of my other messages, but if you get the chance to call back, I might not be here when you do. I'm going outside for a while.
See you around, I guess.
Click

3:43 AM
Hey,
If this makes any sense... I love you. I love you. I can't believe I just said that. I. Love. You. I don't know if you love me...I'm gonna go now.
Bye.
Click

---
7:27 AM
Indigo?
Are you okay? I...got your messages, and...I...feel the same way about you. I always have. Um...can I come over now? Never mind, I am coming over now. Give me ten. Wait....oh my goodness! Indigo! Indigo!
Click

News Report: 7:20 AM
A young woman has been found dead in 56th Street this morning by joggers. She was hit by a car driven by a drunk driver. She has yet to be identified, but is wearing a wristband with the word "Indigo" on it. If you have information, please call this number...

I am alive and living
He is in the next place
I'm not afraid to go there,
For when I do I'll see his face
Much I do because he taught me
Much I love he loved too
His footprints now are the first frost And the summer's morning dew
Going on was nearly impossible
But now see him in everything
When I lose heart
His memory brings me strength
He wasn't just my first love
He was a man of integrity
He would do anything for anyone, regardless of the cost to himself
Even laid down his life for me
So many people touched
Who may have forgotten his name
Remain in my memory
I want to live the same
It takes 80 years for some
To learn what he already knew
I still miss him so much
A truth only understood by a few.