Collateral

now it's quiet. the deaf are everyone. all sounds come on the condition of knowing what was said.

now the rain has forgotten. the flood receded within. where rickety rowboats and splintered oars chart the course the void has left.

now is when the ransom is offered. for the things we want back. now is how much we are willing to pay. for things lost. once alive. to be returned to us in coffins.

the math dictates moments. but perpetuity is the domain of touch.