Denver Sounds

I used to write in bars, enamored that I could focus midst the sounds.

Words echoed off the walls, bass shook the table, but my mind stayed still;
a quaking voice covered by the quilt of slurred conversations.

Trying to hoard phrases, describe feelings as elusive as smells,
it almost seemed like I was close to something —
then we all went inside for months, and things became very quiet…

The city is alive again and louder than I remember;
chatter in restaurants, cars and the quiet moan of the loud highway.
Some sounds are different though;
chants in the streets, helicopters and the loud buzz of the quiet sky.

Speakers on trucks blasting love and bass across the city,
there are voices echoing off the buildings;
the voices themselves are building.

I used to ignore this symphony, thinking that silence would help me
to make sense of my crackling voice and scattered mind.

I don’t write in bars anymore, but now I try to listen.