Late Twentieth Century in the Form of Litany

after Tom Andrews

The winter continued and I thought I heard voices.

Butchers sharpened their knives and I thought I heard voices.

Roy Orbison moaned and I thought I heard voices.

In the dark room of childhood I thought I heard voices.

My bike chain came loose and I thought I heard voices.

Mother choked on the bit and I thought I hear voices.

A war raged outside and I thought I heard voices.

My saxophone gleamed and I thought I heard voices.

The drive-in went dark and I thought I heard voices.

The speakers kept sizzling and I thought I heard voices.

Boys came in the pews and I thought I heard voices.

Mother choked on the bit and I thought I heard voices.

The mills locked their doors and I thought I heard voices.

Elvis kept playing dead and I thought I heard voices.

I watched her undress and I thought I heard voices.

Boys lit cats on fire and I thought I heard voices.

Flames crept toward our yard and I thought I heard voices.

The Klan marched through town and I thought I heard voices.

I met my maker and I thought I heard voices.

Gas filled the garage and I thought I heard voices.

I lied at confession and said I heard voices.

Someone shot J.R. and I thought I heard voices.

She said, “Get me out” and I thought I heard voices.

My vision got worse and I thought I heard voices.

I crawled into bed and I thought I heard voices.

The highway came through and I thought I heard voices.

I met my maker and I thought I heard voices.

I danced in my bedroom and I thought I heard voices.

The curtains caught fire and I thought I heard voices.

Mother took all the pills and I looked at the clock.

I placed my hand on the turntable and I thought I heard voices.

Joan Jett sang Crimson and Clover and I thought I heard voices:

Over and over and I thought I heard voices.