by Dale Wisely
(originally in Star*Line, 2014)

QUIETER

The world is quieter now.
Taxis motor by with no motors.

New construction is accomplished
by truckloads of purposed viruses.

Solid state prayer has replaced
the whir and clatter of hard disks.

Abundant use of neural audio dampens
communal noise into muffled midrange.

Sounds from microwaves and coffee pots
are designed by British electronic musicians
and are tuned, harmonic, tasteful.

Arguments are conducted via algorithm,
dueling geometries, and summons
served by polymer deputy sheriffs.

Let not your heart be troubled, 
Not your primary heart, nor the auxiliary.
The world is quieter now.