I’m sorry, I can’t join you for lunch, I’m on hold.
I had a roast beef sandwich heated up, but it went cold.
The recorded voice said someone would be with me shortly, but it lied.
Shortly was over an hour ago.
The voice said it was sorry for the wait, but I think it lied.
In fact, I know.
I’m sorry I can’t take a break and go outside- I’m on hold.
I’ve tried to be patient, but I think my mind is about to fold.
The damn music they make me listen to is dumb,
it’s already causing my brain to go numb.
Sorry Honey, I say to my wife on the phone,
but I’ll be late for dinner as I’ll be late getting home,
I’m stuck here at the office ON HOLD! And I’m left here all alone.
Precisely on the dot at every 2 minute, 30 second mark,
the recorded voice came back on with the same sad remark.
“Sorry for the wait- please stay on the line and remain on hold”
Followed by “Someone will be with you shortly”. Could it ever come true?
Then my phone dropped the call with a bleep as the line went cold!
Just when the voice announced that I was the next caller in the cue.
But when you’re on hold what can you do?
I’ll call back tomorrow and hope it will only take an hour or two.
After a successful career as a Senior Designer working with international mining companies, William David is retired now and living in Tucson, Az. He likes spending time now devoted to his passion: writing and reading poetry. William writes for his pleasure and for the pleasure of those who might read his poems.