Energy drinks to stay awake
and do nothing until sunrise
aside from laying skin cells
into the seat of a desk chair
with 1970s ergonomics in mind
so that I can spend the day
with my eyes closed
roaming an apartment building
occupied by friends
I haven't seen in years
while they pour pitchers of beer
from bathroom sinks and
play the games we had in common
before we had separate lives
so that I don't have to
talk to myself
surrounded by daytime strangers
The idea was good
the execution was sound,
but 10:30 a.m.
still makes the rounds
and razor blade in my right hand
unsteadied by sleepless nights
I'm stripping light gauge wire
to fly an antenna kite
with the end strung to a receiver
I found at a sale of antiques
to help me make sense of white noise,
but mostly to hear purpose speak.
