Through the Floor

I was reading, or trying to, anyway,

when it started. Up above.

Unburdened, loud, like it could stay

forever, full of someone's love

or maybe just a good, dumb joke.

It punched through the ceiling, thin

as paper, landing on my ear.

Not muffled, no. It broke right in.

My own room felt colder, clearer.

My silence, suddenly so deep.

Like watching a light turn on, right near

you, while you try to fall asleep.