Muffled voices

Muffled voices above my ceiling meant it was time

to sleep.

The red neon glow off the table clock

Blinking its two dots,

chanting what appears to be

twelve fifteen

in the morning.

It’s louder now. Can make out a few words.

Shut my eyes and imagine

the sea,

a deep silver,

with waves drowning out,

smothering

the low echoes

now seeping through paper thin walls..

..heart sinks,

eyes squint,

I repeat the same words I used to sing.

Words I still wrap my tongue to

and chant my mind awake until

five fifteen

in the morning.

                    Love is patient

                     Love is kind…

Then I get up,

get dressed,

Start the new day fresh.

And the voices above my ceiling

come down

and greet me with a half-meant smile.