On any still night
When the clouds are low
And the city lights,
Create an orange glow.
You may perceive it.
Maybe not in the first instant
But with time you might
Come to notice the remnant.
It’s the noise that’s left behind
As society goes about its business –
The machineries daily grind.
It’s an eerie, almost silence.
You’ll know it from the time
You’re sweetheart touched your hand
In that crowded five and dime
The murmur, the only sound that remained.
And as you stand at sea’s shore
On this calm, steamy evening
You can hear it once more,
The hum of lives out there – living.