4 AM

Just after noon in Afghanistan

hungry for a voice from home.

My son lifts his phone

enters our number and hits send.

Just before 4 AM

the phone next to the bed rings.

Fist thought of course

is something wrong.

Hello, and the voice of my son returns to me

relief as that voice says he's ok.

When he asks the time and I tell him it's 4

he seems to be somewhat concerned.

I say it's ok

and it is that's the truth

for we hunger

to hear his voice too.

The time does not matter

when your kids are away.

Their call says they love you

and you can send your love to them.

4 AM is a very appropriate time 

to feed your need for love.