David A. Goodrum

Domestic Opera

Through the glass pane I catch bird song
while longing to receive your call.

The exertions of joggers passing by
exhaust me as I note their strain.

For a moment I block out all noise and focus
on enchanted memories of your solo voice.

Gas-powered blowers interrupt my train of thought
and foul the transparent air.

Nearby workmen whistle as blades and leaves
lumber across the lawn. Their melody now an earworm…

Boring through my brain, an overwrought
glum “Everybody Hurts” Top 40 tune.

In dismissal my new-found love ghosts me
not even feigning to recall my number.

Worry, mounting panic usurp all other distractions.
Other than drinking and weeping, I refrain.

I still can’t move far from my phone’s doubtful chirp
while my wristwatch hand sweeps time away.

David A. Goodrum is the author of the collection Vitals and Other Signs of Life (The Poetry Box) and the chapbook Sparse Poetica (Audience Askew). Recent and upcoming publications include Tar River Poetry, San Antonio Review, Triggerfish Critical Review, among others. Born and educated in Indiana, David now lives in Corvallis, Oregon. Find out more about this poet/photographer at www.davidgoodrum.com.