Yes, found. Last year I worked for a call centre for Vodafone. One evening I got a call from a distressed dad, who'd read in the paper about how VF were recycling phone numbers that had fallen into disuse. He told me how his teenage son had been killed in a car crash and how they had buried him with his phone. The younger brother still sent texts to him, as a source of comfort. I had to reassure the dad that if he just topped up the mobile by €5 every 6 months the number would always be his son's. I felt wretched having to say something as petty as that to a grieving parent. This is by way of recompense.
That's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful indeed. And 'found'?
ReplyDeleteYes, found. Last year I worked for a call centre for Vodafone. One evening I got a call from a distressed dad, who'd read in the paper about how VF were recycling phone numbers that had fallen into disuse. He told me how his teenage son had been killed in a car crash and how they had buried him with his phone. The younger brother still sent texts to him, as a source of comfort. I had to reassure the dad that if he just topped up the mobile by €5 every 6 months the number would always be his son's. I felt wretched having to say something as petty as that to a grieving parent. This is by way of recompense.
ReplyDeleteYou've made me cry.
ReplyDeleteI hope somewhere and on some level, the father was able to access the beauty of your words and derive comfort.
It is a beautiful recompense, Babs, though totally not needed.
ReplyDeleteI think you may have a puddle in here by the end of the day.
Love this poem too. Let us know when the poetry book is ready to send out.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what a 'found poem' was either!
ReplyDeleteCheers Barbara! Touching stuff!
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely, and makes me think of another wee fan over the water here.
ReplyDeleteAm choked.
ReplyDelete