Nowadays phones flash names
In silent warnings announcing
The hoped for, the unexpected,
Sometimes the feared, the dreaded
What is my mood, what is the time
Is there desire in committing
Effort to a voice, to listen, respond
Appropriately, kindly, with patience
To a voice, with nuances and feelings
Sending a message is quicker, easier
Unlimited, unstamped instant notes
Abbreviated by sound, to save space

Today though, a number without a name
No recognition to who this person
Could be, calling me in the morning
Allowing voicemail to give notice to
This stranger, that I am busy and
Will respond when the inclination
Suits my schedule, a save it for later
The day is long, tedious, lacking
In everything but frustration
As I clear the memory of the day
From my phone, from my thoughts
I listen to the gentle voice of a stranger
That unimportant call this morning
The mystery number that held no distinction

Now, at the end of my day, generously
Thanking me for leaving a note on his car
Accidents happen he says, then apologizing
For not thanking me sooner for honesty
That in this world is not so frequent
I was on vacation when you hit my car
In that parking lot and left the Post-it
He repeats in gratitude again, I
Should have called you sooner
No, I think this was the perfect time
This gift of voice from a stranger, who
On vacation came back to that
Parking spot to find my gift of a dent
Adorned in a fluorescent green Post-it