So used to walking
with distraction
that when I do not
wear headphones
city sounds are overwhelming
Now sometimes
I wear headphones
& listen to nothing
not secretly to guard
or overhear, but turn
down modern bustle
fire engines, ambulances, police
sirens blare
paralyzingly
Reminiscent of childhood
when my parents had to remove me
from synagogue during Purim services
because congregants unleash
groggers each time the name Haman
is spoken & one guy
who we all know
just had to bring a foghorn
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