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Spoken version
A recorded reading of “Emergency Contact”. If the player does not load, use the original audio source.
Your form says add a person. You stall like choices multiply. You joke—half diversion— I sign my name, no second try. Spare key warm on the hook; door metal cool to my palm. My shoes map your front room; coat on the dining chair. Name the slot. Check the box. Tie the knot. Drop the locks. Call me first—call. When you fall—call. Your mom rings when you’re flight-late; I’m there before the gate’s late— hood up, milkshake sweating, your scarf in my pocket lining. The nurse asks, who gets the text? I breathe and say, me—next. Write it clear, right here, dear. Blue ink near— no fear, dear. Call me first—call. When you fall—call. Vending hum, vinyl chairs; sanitizer in the air. Board lights blink, then hover. I count your breaths twice over. Wristband crackles on your arm; my palm checks your forehead warm. If ever I miss a ring by one, know I’m already halfway gone. No doubt. I’m out. One ring— I spring. Call me first—call. When you fall—call. Forms filed; lights go soft. A star by your name on the chart. We step into parking-lot weather— I set you as ICE. We walk out together.
Lyrics
Your forms say “add a person” You shrug like it’s a version You joke with half diversion I smile, sign the insertion Spare key on hook by door My shoes wait on your floor Name the slot Pick the box Tie the knot Lose the locks Call me first, call When you fall, call Your mom rings when you’re flight-late I’m there before the gate’s late I bring a coat and milkshake I learn your street by heart rate Nurse asks “who gets the text?” I breathe and say “me, next” Write it clear Right here, dear Blue ink near No fear, dear Call me first, call When you fall, call No doubt I’m out One ring I spring Call me first, call When you fall, call Forms filed, lights go soft Emergency contact
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