I began to worry when we didn’t speak
For quite some time

Because I realized
I would not know of your pain or any serious injury

And I would be left in the midst of a cruel mystery
Because your family would fail to inform me

Social media would be my next reference
I would scroll and scroll mercilessly

But come up with nothing
Due to the fact that your siblings and I aren’t even friends

Calling your father’s business, he would be too busy
To bother picking up the phone

Your mother would wave the thought off
After all, I didn’t suit you at all

Somehow, I would see that I’m the one to blame
That I could have done more  

Because after all, I was yours

Wisconsin’s area code is etched into the side of my heart
And communication means a whole lot to me

I call and call to make sure you haven’t fallen apart
Your caramel skin is tough, I know

But it is also thin
Thin, like your favorite t-shirt

I’m afraid of miscommunication

I’m terrified of tragic situations

And that I’m the next thing you’ll outgrow