He Wasn't Dead

Word in the gossip pool:
he lost it, emotionally 
and financially 

couldn’t be trusted, 

barely hanging on, 

wishing he was dead,

but when I called
he sounded great,
clear headed, compassionate,
and completely involved.

Better to stay in touch one-on-one 
then to rely on family gossip
to fill the gaps

and all it took 

was one 
phone call.