Background Noise Poem by Edward Rhodes

I notice that you’re still here
I can see your shadow near the bedroom light
Though I have tried so long to ignore you
As you drone on and on
Yet gradually I concentrate
Focus my attention on other sounds
And make you fade
Into the background
Though I can still see you
Sometimes
Out of the corner of my eye
And I wonder why
Why do you waste your time with me?
Why squander your hours
And spend the brief flicker of your life
Imprisoned in this lonely tower?
When you could be searching for a distant star
Seeking a light to guide your path
Or a sun around which to orbit
For you will not find it here
Just a bed
And some books
And my company
Your lack of purpose troubles me
The brevity of your frail existence
Disturbs my complacency
I am afraid
And this is why I make you fade
To background noise
Till I open the window
And let you fly away