what going deaf sounds like

that high-pitched pop that echos when a T.V. turns off.
that muffled fuzz that dilutes dialogue in a long distance call.
that "woh-woh" sound that comes from any adult in Peanuts.
that vice-like pressure on the sides of my head during altitude ascent.
that continuous ring of an unanswered phone that goes to voicemail.
that split second when i think i hear my name called by a familiar voice

that is not really here.

that laughter inside my head to old jokes no longer shared.
that ocean-mute when cupped hands are held to ears.
that tock of a ticking clock in the dead of night.
that trapped-in-a-box sound when a conversation is held in-

that trachea is talking,
but that mouth doesn't open.

that hum from a kazoo.

that fluid in my ears,

that drains to my nose,

that drips down the back of my throat,

that causes me to spit up phlegm when i'm sick.

sick of the silence.

c.marie