The Sound of One Man Screaming

THE SOUND OF ONE MAN SCREAMING

A pen is lifted from a cup
that waits, patiently, on the edge of the desk
Sometimes in haste
Sometimes with measured care
The pen is lifted, balanced between three fingers
and brought down to kiss an empty page

A blank computer screen glares
The incessant whirring of a hard-drive fan
an undying, steady rhythmic pulse
Both mocking the absence of activity in the room
Until the distinct sound of fingers clacking the keyboard
announce the presence of words on the screen

A coffee mug filled with a simple black blend
Sometimes full
Sometimes cool
Often touched merely for the comfort it offers
overlooks the entire process

If you listen very carefully you will hear
More silent than the sound of the steam rising off the coffee
Ever so gently
The sound of one man screaming

© 2004 by Mark Leslie Lefebvre