I listened to the radio today
That pop station that plays those songs
Loud ones, fast ones, vapid things
I cranked that crap up
Nearly blew my dime store speakers
Must have pissed off half a dozen neighbors
But god, every song had such weight
Elevated on decibels
My brain throbbed and surged so far

I left home today
Bolted really, sprinting out the door
I carried a hastily packed duffel
And enough grief to keep me running
Sheer refusal I saw no more death
Utter desperation I saw only life
Desired only to live and live at full volume
Frightened of memory
I’ll keep running on, so far, so far