Worse Than a Stranger

She was a voice
I used to know.
A voice
That would
Send an electrical charge
Through my body.

I could not listen to her

Enough.
She gladdened my heart.
Once
I wanted her
Always.

Much time has passed.

Her voice
Is a memory
Stilled.

So, when I heard her again

On the telephone
I expected
The same old rush.
But she came to me
As a stranger.
Worse than a stranger.
She came as one
From whom
I wanted to turn away.

I hurried to end the conversation

Hoping to hear her no longer.

She used
The language of 'hello'
While I choose
The language of 'goodbye.'