High Anxiety: Without My Electronic Tether

Apple store, Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Photo by NSB.

To the glitzy, glassy Apple store

For iPhone repair…

Nothing serious, just a battery upgrade.

But—an hour a half, says Matt,

My Apple red-shirt guy.

(Beat.) An hour a half?

Without my phone? I don’t have my iPad … my laptop is at home.

It’s a strange feeling …

No electronic tether.

No one knows where I am

Sitting in a café on Michigan Avenue.

No one can call me or text me.

I don’t know who has answered my emails

Or sent out a plaintive call for help.

The question: Does anyone need me?

Do my sons think I’m on a cart in the ER?

Or—most likely—no one has noticed.

NOTE: If your old iPhone needs a new battery, Apple says it’s replacing them for $29 through 12/31/18. But prepare for the anxiety. Bring a book. Or write a poem.