The Voices That Crowd

There are many voices

Seeking, shouting, vying, trying

To be heard, acknowledged, prized

Above the rest. 

Skittering across the net

Bouncing from site to site.

Each one calling “pick me!” “pin me!”

“stay here!” “like me!”

Songs from the past

Play a never-ending loop in my mind.

Melodies that haunt and don’t inspire,

Words that beat and tamp down

My flame, my song, my voice

Still persists.

Insists

On being.