Payphone

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​Derelict on laundry mat wall,
painted in markings
like a frat boy waking without
shoes or bearings.
Perished apple core,
frayed headphone wire
entomb the privacy hood. 
10 digits smeared in who knows
what, beyond recognition.
Hook switch gone,
phantom-tongue,
metallic coils around
halved receiver,
jaw-broke.
 
As a kid I’d see them in rows,
and the occasional man preying
on the change slots. A few years
ago even, getting asked for half a buck
to call sweetheart back home,
check up on the folks,
an extension on a bill to
get the heat up & running

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