The TV stays off
It isnot broken
I know because
I check once in a while
But I never leave iton
For more than a second

The radio is silent
It can stillblare
If I want it to
I do once in a while
But I don't listen to thestations
For more than a second

The newspaper stays folded
Thereare still words
I can always read it
I glance once in a while
But onlyat the comics
And only for a second

The magazines are closed
Covershowing famous faces
I can always study them
I look once in a while
Butonly to see who it is
And only for a second

But no matter what Ido
The sound of booted feet
And the words of promised war
Still echothroughout the house
Throughout the street
Throughout the planet
And Ican't shut it out

Not even for a second