Manchester Maya

Verse 1
Headset pinches the ear
screen glowin’ blue with strangers’ troubles
I read the script slow
voice soft enough to pass as calm
most days
that’s all they need
Verse 2
Clock ticks loud
in the quiet between calls
I sip lukewarm tea
let the sweetness steady me
small mercies
keep the shift alive
Verse 3
Someone cries on the line
says the world’s too heavy today
I listen, breath held—
strength I can’t afford
Verse 4
Break room hums with vending lights
tinny hum covering tired thoughts
we laugh a little
only a little—
energy’s a currency here
Verse 5
Rain hits the windows
like someone askin’ to come in
Verse 6
the headset’s red ring
my voice in the machine.