Single Note Melodies

by Erin Carr

This song is the saddest.
A man panhandling down the frigid streets of New York,
Only the jacket on his back
And the worn sneakers on his feet for protection.
Choruses of disgusted glares,
Children confused as to why their mother is so angry,
Why daddy isn't ever there when they go to sleep anymore.
This song is the saddest.
A lonely birthday party,
With an empty song blowing out the candles.
Muffled cries not muffled by a listener
but by the crier themself.
A small coffin and an empty hospital room.
An angry son and an angrier yet father.
This song is the saddest.
Shards of glass,
raining down from who knows where.
But I know where.
I know.