THE ZAMALEK HOUSE

i used to share a bed with the clattering city,
insulated only by white sheets, window screens

awoken daily by a small bird’s voice, listen:
isn’t this noise?

i’d like to be that bird. i click my tongue
until it blisters. i’m told

this is disruptive. i could be louder,
if you like.

i could be louder & choose only
to make myself known.

in my home we are surrounded by
silence and so you hear everything.

back there, we were surrounded by
everything and so we heard

the birds.

i’ve said too much. i have only
been silent twice,

once when i needed something &
once when i needed not to be

silenced. pause [
]. from now on i’ll speak

only when summoned. it’s still important
to sleep & wake:

noise grows in the city like a body & still
a single bird may drown

a dozen languages.