1

In my secret life,
things happen in instants.
Something changes, and I know
"I am alone," or
"I don't love you
anymore."

Meryl told me
that the day the war ended, she watched the parade
muted, on the color TV set.
The whole house was quiet.
The screen filled with noise she already knew
the sound of.

Even in my secret life, I am afraid
not of death, but of dying.
A documentary about volcanoes rages in the corner.
The colors are almost stunning,
so realistic.

I don't have tinnitus, but I wonder
if this is my home.

I am afraid if this is my home. I don't want to hear
anything, not even information about fire prevention.
Too many words make the heart get sick.


SF/ DC