Airtime

Airtime—finish what you started.
I was listening to your day.

Halfway through your Tuesday story,
Your bundle warning cuts you short.
"Call tomorrow." "Wait a minute."
I put the kettle down and top it up.
Two small taps across the ocean,
Then your name lights up again.
You say, "Where was I?" I say, "Your sister—
Something happened at the dress shop."

I could send a thousand roses;
Tonight I want the little things.
How your day went, what you laughed at,
What you nearly didn't tell me.

Airtime, airtime, finish your story.
I sent a little more—no hurry.
Airtime, airtime, talk till you're through.
Half the world away, still listening to you.

Tell me the rest. (Tell me.)
Tell me the rest. (I'm here.)

Your sister laughs and calls me sponsor.
You take the phone: "He's listening."
Five years in, I know that pause
Before you ask, "And how've you been?"
I say, "Fine." You say, "Start over."
My turn to lay the long day down.
I paid to hear the rest of your story;
You called back and heard me out.

Airtime, airtime, finish your story.
I sent a little more—no hurry.
Airtime, airtime, talk till you're through.
Half the world away, still listening to you.

Some nights you don't feel like talking.
"Sleep, my love. We'll talk another night."
A top-up isn't time you owe me.
Call when you feel like hearing mine.

Airtime, airtime, finish our story.
Your turn, my turn—no hurry.
Airtime, airtime, nothing to prove.
Half the world away, still listening to you.

"Now, about your sister..."
"Ah, you remembered!"
(Airtime.)