Before texting
and Facebook messaging,
you knew I liked your photo

because I smiled.

And when I couldn’t see you,
I’d ring you.

25 cents at a time,
hours on end. Together.

Before L-O-Ls,
before keyboards,
we shared giggles
on a receiver,

pausing my laughter
to listen to yours.

Okay, hang up first.
No, you.
No, you.
No, you.

You still there?
On the line, communicating
with only soft breathing,
until we were fast asleep.

Our connection was well ahead of its time.