hearing things

it's an empty hallway
there is talking everywhere
everyone is hiding
why would they want to be?
i go into the rooms
to find another soul
but when i look,
there is only emptiness.
i figure i'm hearing things,
but it happens again
and i hear screaming too.
i look around,
nothing.
i hear more screaming,
i look,
nothing.
this time it's so much louder.
days and weeks go by
and it continues on and on,
even in the quietness of bed.
i talk to doctors,
they give me tests,
tell me i'm "hearing things"
and to get some rest.
i do and it continues.
i go to specialists
they give me medication
that would make an elephant sleep.
i give up
and live with the noise.
What else am i supposed to do?

Aug 2002

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