I roll over. It’s 4 o’clock.

I see my phone lit up in its charging spot.

I see it’s a boss. I say….. hello?

Do you have a minute she says? Her voice was low.

Of course I say groggy ,confused

The tone of her voice had me amused.

I wanted to call you before you showed up

I know the overflow already in your cup

I tighten my jaw expecting the worst.

But that doesn’t cover what she said First.

You see I should say it’s a terrible thing

But for me it’s a much much deeper zing

As she told me the news

I realized the impact of the words we choose.

The shot I fired before he lost is life caused a ripple in my soul and such inner strife.

He died today

Is that what I heard her say?

I will carry always the last thing I said

“I hope ignoring our safety concerns doesn’t leave someone dead.”

He glanced my way and his eyes met mine

“I agree,” he said “it will be fine.”

Every single day I feel the gut wrenching punch

To the last thing I said to him while I clocked my missed lunch.