static

it's loud.
someone has a tv on in the next room,
& doors are opening,
shutting, opening, shutting.
even my light gives off static.
a faucet running across the hall.
my breathing, my pen versus paper,
the sound of a page turning,
a greeting, a phone vibrating.
outside goodbyes, six-five-four-four-five,
swipe an ID. click. opening,
shutting.
my muscles groaning.
the lights are off for no good reason
other than i'm practicing
for nicole,
for when she wants to sleep
& i've procrastinated myself into a hole.
mom wants to know if i want to call,
& under the bed with my eyes
closed it's like an imitation
of reality. all these noises, homes
multiplied and voices.
i turn my fan on;
i drown it out.


written 8/25/10