Background Noise Poem by Jerry Danielsen

Parts of the background blur-
marginalize and compartmentalize.

Listen

I stand here screaming in the dark –
in your ear.

Don’t you hear me?

As you turn away,
ears closed -

I am background noise
I am background noise
I am background noise
I am background noise
I am background noise
I am background noise
I am background noise
I am background noise
I am background noise

As I bend and sway to your rules,
letting stuff out,
as well as letting things in.

Background noise
in people's lives –


not important enough
- to actually listen
- to shape one's life around.

I am background noise

I’m the one
who shapes my life
to fit the needs
love can live in.

I am background noise
I am background noise
I am background noise