FRIENDS THROUGH SCREENS

i talked to my friends
through screens today.
not screen doors like grandma’s in
south carolina, the one she’d tell us
not to slam, gravy sifting through
metal mesh like delicious spirit.

but kinda.

and not smoke screens
either, riot clouds
where we listen for
directions from us screaming
running from them, this way,
i’m here, over here, this way.

but kinda.

and not television screens
where we teleport to cartoon
and laugh track and someone
else’s life or life-like role
where doctor’s are perfect
except for an occasional affair.

but kinda.

i talked to my friends
through screens today.
turns out it’s true that zeroes
and ones can make a million
smiles, take it from me, but buffering
almost sent me into panic. Well, not panic.

but kinda.