aware of his losses,
his friend's words at the bar last night
leaves a ringing in his ear -
his chest already heavy from
last night's dinner.
his whole body shaking through sleep,
he repeatedly seems to hear the faint
chimes of his lullaby-like ringtone,
even in a silent room.
phantom vibrations against his leg
make him believe that
he's about to receive some good news,
which never really comes.
his desperation is much less sweet
when dark circles form around
eyes swollen shut.
(vulnerability only appealing
when you can offer sound advice).
with no one able to make any offering,
he peaks in his loneliness
in the middle of the night,
plummeting quickly at dawn.