Narcissus, I no longer haunt the canyons br and the crypts. I thrive and multiply; br uncounted daughters are my new companions. br br We are the voicemail's ponderous reply br to the computers making random calls. br We are the Muzak in the empty malls, br the laughtrack on the reruns late at night, br the distant siren's chilling lullaby, br the steady chirp of things that simplify br their scheduled lives. You know I could recite br more, but you never cared for my recitals. br br I do not miss you, do not need you here— br I can repeat the words of your disciples br telling lovers what they need to hear.