The voice on the answering machine says
“Hi Dad! It’s just me…”
As if I didn’t recognize the sound
And wish that I’d been here when you called
She had been to the house earlier that day
The evidence is in plain sight
Used towels, scattered laundry and discarded popsicle sticks
Are just some of the telltale signs
Some of her books are sitting on the dining room table
One of them is called Lies My Teacher Told Me
I smile to myself and go pluck a fresh tomato from the garden
And then try and return the call
Disappointment follows went it goes to voice mail
“Hi honey! It’s Dad…”
I’m not good at talking to machines
And wanted to let you know
It will never be “just you”