ambient noise

written for the Homeless to Hope Benefit Concert

at sunrise,
street sweepers
silence the ringing filth
of a late night’s vibrato. in

the sneaky hours of the morning,
empty bottles and parking spaces
form a hushed choir, a
privileged quiet, a soundtrack

to the aftermath of the discord
that comes with alcohol. before noon,

the homeless are a cappella,
writing songs and signs
that read,

“All I want is a joyful duet.
A movement instead of an elegy.”

at sunset,
pandemonium presses play
and the chaos loops again.