6 a.m., got the a-larm ringing
Music in my bones
Fog’s outside, but I can’t see it
Through the blinds
Stumble up for bread and coffee,
Trying not to falter
There’s a day ahead, whose name
I don’t yet know
Move about with hazy eyes
To brush my teeth and drink
Burn my hand upon the stove,
The eggs come up too easy
Hear the news, or read it—
Any morning, I don’t know
The law’s been broken, chaos reigns
A crown atop our globe
Sip the coffee, turn things on
Try to beat the chill
Let the humming, blue light, aching glare
Take its glowing fill
Sag within the office chair
Laugh at loss of time
It’s afternoon already
And you’ve missed the goddamn ride
Step away from desk and seat
Forget the howling sound
That makes its way from ear to ear
As supper touches down
Again the glare of television
A music for your head
But empty, stripped of melody
Each day until you’re dead
Now rest one’s weary, empty head
On a damp pillowcase
And try to brace one’s eyes against
The dark wall that one faces
Dream away to quiet lands
Where no tone can be found
With one’s ears resting, sweetest silence
Lone respite from the sounds