the number you requested is no longer available

i got an overseas addiction
a long distance affliction
that pierces through me
throwing me into oblivion

i have heard the world is smaller
but it has not stopped getting bigger for me
since that last day we saw
at the metro station

i wish i heard back from you
i long
i sleep
i try

to forget

the number you requested is no longer available
a female voice said
but to me
it sounded like "you are such a big loser, you idiot"


norberto mendoza (Chicago, IL, 1976)