Schrodinger's Ears

my ears can’t decide whether they’re alive or dead
his voice flows out like the claw of a chair
being scraped against a blackboard
instead of being thrown at you outright
someone thinks that’s music    who’s the composer?
does this noise really count as composition?

i want to participate in conversation
i don’t need to listen to a dictator bloviating
or watch his buddies give nazi salutes
i want to listen to hear other people talk
appreciate other voices    then talk
even talk back

one live ear    one dead ear
one’s real       the other’s imaginary
can’t even hear myself whistle without hearing his voice
now now     he and his swastika buddies will take care of you
you know for real that both of your ears are alive
not even inert    the way he wants them

May 12, 2025