even roar

traffic outside my window
sounds like waves
from the Great Pacific,
taking the streets
with an even roar.

I hear the heavy footsteps
of my neighbor upstairs.
his TV is on.
my other neighbor
listens to NPR podcasts.
(in a way, 
Terry Gross is my neighbor)

the landlord is mowing the lawn
across the street.
someone is practicing the flute.
I play the guitar,
but we don't play the same songs.

but mostly
I live with the headphones on.
I silence my phone
and wake up
to the songs of birds.