Out of Earshot

Tom C Dylan

I would always wear earphones

when I'm walking,

listening to the radio

and my music,

while making my way 

along the street.

 

The chatter of the DJ's

and the radio tunes

becoming my soundtrack,

I'd feel like I was 

starring in the 

opening scenes 

of my very own movie.

 

I used to joke that my

legs wouldn't work

without my earphones.

But with my music

I could walk for miles.

 

I would put my earphones in

and set off, my feet beating

the pavement in time

to the music,

clicking my fingers,

as I briskly walked along.

 

One day, as I set off on a walk,

marching along.

I reached into my pocket

for my earphones.

I swore under my breath.

My pocket was empty.

I'd forgotten them.

 

I could have gone back home

but I knew that if I did

then the pull of the sofa

would be too strong 

and my intentions of

a walk would go out the window.

 

Fuming and annoyed,

I stropped down the street,

in angry stomps,

cursing my forgetfulness.

I debated how far I should go,

on this tune-less silent stroll.

Maybe half-way, three-quarters,

before turning back.

In future I would keep my earphones

in my coat pocket.

 

My anger subsided as I went on,

and I started noticing the sounds

all around me. 

A couple walking by, sharing a joke,

laughing at the punchline,

a helicopter thrumming overhead.

a dog barking at it's owner to throw the ball,

ice-cream van chimes ringing out

from a near-by street,

a man across the road,

wearing shorts despite the cold,

whistling to himself as he walked.

 

These days when I go for a walk

I leave my earphones behind, 

my wonderful soundtrack is

the world around me

and all that's in it.

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Comments10

  • orchidee

    That's sounds noisy - chattering, bells, laughing, whistling, etc! lol.

    • Tom C Dylan

      Yeah the everyday sounds I'd been drowning out were actually okay. 🙂

    • Accidental Poet

      Awesome write Tom. The music of life can sometimes be so beautiful. Like the deaf man who can suddenly hear. So much we all take for granted Tom. 🤔

      • Tom C Dylan

        Yeah, I'd been drowning out the everyday noises with my earphones. It was a revelation. Cheers, Tom.

      • JulesBurnsit

        Beautiful and so familiar. Putting my shoes on now.

        • Tom C Dylan

          Thanks Jules. I did forget my earphones the other day, and it wasn't as bad as I'd feared. 🙂

        • Cloie

          Your walk without earphones turned into quite the adventure! It's amazing how a small change can lead to a whole new perspective. I love how you captured the transition from frustration to appreciation as you noticed the sounds and sights around you. It's a beautiful reminder to embrace the present moment. Great work!

          • Tom C Dylan

            Thanks a lot, Cloie. 🙂

          • Cassie58

            A new world for you, outside your earphones. So many wonderful sounds you could have missed out on. I like to hear birdsong, laughter, children playing, church bells ringing, trains rattling by and buses halting to pick up passengers. So many sounds to enjoy. The earphones would make me feel isolated. Great write Tom. Lots of imagery. Have a good Thursday.

            • Tom C Dylan

              You're so right, Cassie. And the rattle of trains is wonderful. My sister used to live near a railway line and the trains going by was just fantastic. 🙂 Happy Friday. Cheers, Tom.

            • Neville


              although there are many who think it might be cool, nice or maybe a laugh .. you just can't beat reality .. 10/10 in my book Tom ........................ N

              • Tom C Dylan

                Thanks a lot, Neville. I forgot my earphones when taking the dog out and was pleasantly surprised by the sounds of everything around me. 🙂 Cheers, Tom.

              • Bella Shepard

                I love this telling of your "aha" moment, and how you gained a new perspective on the sounds of life. On my early morning walks I'm privileged to hear the first bird of the morning, and slowly the whole chorus chimes in, it's magical, and I understand your joy. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece, I enjoyed it so very much.

                • Tom C Dylan

                  Thanks a lot for your comments, Bella. Yes, I took the dog for a walk recently and forgot my earphones, and was so pleasantly surprised. Cheers, Tom.

                • Goldfinch60

                  So glad you are hearing the world around you now Tom, it is surprising how much joy you can get from listening to life around you.
                  Keep listening.

                  Andy

                  • Tom C Dylan

                    Thanks Andy, yes definitely will. 🙂 Happy Friday, Cheers, Tom.

                  • Thomas W Case

                    Tremendous. Nature has quite the soundtrack.

                    • Tom C Dylan

                      Thanks, Thomas. Really appreciated.

                    • Doggerel Dave

                      A great moral tale, Tom (and I nearly missed it!) Never have I understood those who remove themselves from immediate reality when out there either via your phones and/or the additional mobile phone...
                      Some of the streets I've walked down during a long and chequered life needed 360 degree awareness in the here and now.....

                      • Tom C Dylan

                        Thanks, Dave, yes, that's a good point. These days you really need your wits about you.



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