Spare me the clamor, O Lord—
the hum of things that split and spoil,
the unbearable sound of things collapsing.

And if I hear it, let
me slip into my house
and hide.

And if it comes in loud and clear
through the cracks in doors and windows,
let me take cover in the bathroom.

And if the echo seeps into the drains,
then let me shut my eyes and fall asleep
to keep the clamor out.

And if I close my eyes,
then let the noise not overwhelm
my perfect dark.