customer service

After I found the phone,
under the table and a dirty sock,
I stood listening to soothing music
while flames began to lick

at my curtains, my portaits, my books
"And now for a customer service message!"
the recorded woman said.

Unbelievingly I listened
to her words about campfire safety
as the fire curled
around the edges of the roof.

And when finally an actual voice
shushed my panic with a survey-
"Five questions to help us improve," she said-
orange fingers reached
out the top of the chimney
and pointed to the sky.

With a silent collapse and a rush of sparks
everything I owned was gone
as she said,
"Now what can I help you with?"