© 2007
by Tim Stones
I heard a sound today
Like no other.
It envelops me,
Engulfs me,
Demands of me
Everything I have,
Until I have nothing left to give,
And then still asks more …
Some people cannot hear it.
But it’s there.
Always.
Everywhere.
Clutching.
Silence
Deafens.
Untitled
(This poem reflects how I feel as I begin to lose what is left of my hearing, and the hearing aids no longer work as well as they used to. I will never forget what the hearing aids gave me - but this poem reflects my bitterness at their fading ability.)
You gave me
Early morning birds chirping.
Gravel crunching.
Rain-spattered windows.
Shattered glass.
Music blaring.
Children crying.
Sirens screaming.
My father snoring …
You gave me spoken words.
Moonlight Sonata.
Elvis Presley,
Lisa and Bren.
You gave me crowds cheering,
Slurping straws,
Anger, fear, laughter, tears.
Yes, you gave me all these, and more.
Why must you take them away?
Hear you - Hear Me
I want to hear you
But I can’t.
You look at me and part your lips.
I stare, waiting, wanting, hoping
To understand your thoughts.
But I can’t.
You want me to hear you.
Your face changes –
A deeper, brighter hue.
You are like a tiger
Waiting to pounce.
“Why won’t he listen?”
Because I can’t.
I can’t listen to words I have not heard!
Why won’t you speak in a language I understand?
Why won’t you listen to me, when I tell you I can’t.
I can’t hear you.
Listen.
Please listen.
To me.
When I tell you I can’t
Hear
You.