By James Pavel

I want to fall out of love with my cellphone.

For years I have starred at my cellphone blankly. For years I have impatiently awaited its flicker like a signal from a nearby ship. For years I have allowed it to rob my attention at a whim’s notice.

I can’t completely focus on others because my cellphone demands my recognition. I can’t fall asleep because my cellphone isn’t done talking.

I can’t wake up until my cellphone vibrates beside me. I can’t start dreaming until my cellphone stops blinking.

I can’t make you laugh without the letters that my cellphone provides me. I can’t show my joy without the emoticons that my cellphone can illustrate.

I can’t see in the dark without the eyes of my cellphone. I can’t feel fully clothed without the texture of my cellphone.

I can’t leave my house without my cellphone. I can’t travel without my cellphone.

I want to feel whole without my cellphone. I want you to laugh in my face, and not through my cellphone. I want to disappear without my cellphone.

I want to fall out of love with my cellphone.