Ringtones Poem by Femia Jantzen

the cry of a rooster
carries the first sun-rays
over the hill into the day
streaming the rumble mumble
of the early morning rush
and the sound of school-bells
in children's voices

the neighbor's dog still barks
the kettle whistles, the birds sing
the cat winds itself around its tail
the kitchen calls for breakfast

a key to close the door
a key to open the gate
a key to start the car

in a controlled traffic jam
with drumming fingers
watching nothing in particular
humming a song I don't really know
sipping coffee I brought from home

drive and stop and drive and slow
a liberating flush and loud honks
while my cell comes to life again
with the cry of a rooster