I Hear A Voice

I hear a voice that echoes from within.

Not a cold or harsh voice; its timbre

is familiar without sibilant demeanor.

"You don't believe in love anymore."

It has whispered into the darkness.

And I, seeking the simple whiteness

of the bed, have tried to ignore.

I press fingertips over eyes

as night after night

it comes to me

assuring.

"You don't believe in love anymore."

The sweat-soaked pillow

muffles the mirthless phrase

in weak defiance, my only comfort

for those damning words

from a voice of whispers and lies

that I'll never believe.

But still, it often assures me.

"You don't believe in love anymore."

I hear a voice that echoes from within

without sibilant demeanor. It’s not cold

or harsh; its timbre is vaguely familiar.

Keith E. Sparks Jr.

Copyright © 2004, 2019

Written in 2004, Later appeared in "Facets" 2019