News before dawn

What was it like when 

you fell asleep the night before?

Do you remember?

Could you tell what news would greet you before dawn?

What was it like when you were summoned before the sun had
rissen 
that cold musty student residence
could you tell 

the world was already changed? 
Did the knowledge clench in your stomach like a prick of a surgical needle?

Did you take that feeling with you 

walking down that long long. Long. dark corridor 

alone

One. step.

Could you tell before you took the call? 

You knew. The inevitable.
When you picked up the receiver

First to the silence of a static inhale

The scratchy voice ...
Did you already know what she would say?
Did you hear it all - or did she have to repeat it?

What was it like

Alone with that news?

Did you keep the receiver pressed to your ear,

or did it slip from your fingers and dangle at your side? 

What was that like?

head bowed, body heaving against the wall at that payphone, 
you - right at the end of that long long corridor before dawn

Did you slip down pressed against the wall crumpled?

Not even a shadow in the dark for company.

Severed.
Alone. 

Hello? Are you there?