The weak at heart are linked
to pacemakers or monitoring machines

I am linked to you
my heart online
beating faster, skipping
to the New Mail message
sinking dispirited, weakly
protesting at Inbox Empty

My smile
alters the brightness of the screen
lights your message
as you light up my life
for an instant
the miles between us
once more negated

We are linked
at least
as long as you keep your email address
as long as the electricity flows:
I am informed it is cations and anions
but it feels all
positive

The cursor's pulsing anticipation
is my heart beat
pouring my words and
itself out to you
remembering the Instant Messenger
of your heart's pulse
quickening in time with mine.

Copyright © Sheona McCutcheon / Celtic Nomad 2003