Ways of Listening

To the drive-time program.

 Passing cars and trucks

 As new stories play out.

 To the business briefing.

  With the soundtrack diverging

  From and intersecting with the graphics.

 To an angry old man.

 He complains that times are bad

 And that no one will listen.

 With irritation and resentment

 To the neighbor dogs angry barking

 Once again as you stop to open your door.

 Patiently, as a child explains

 What she has learned today

 And why it matters.

 Carefully, for the lover

 Arriving home much later

 Than the promised time.

  Intently, to the changed breathing

  As your mother's body begins cooling

  First from the feet and hands.