Dialtone

Beside the drum kit in the basement

I was trying to get to sleep

I heard your voice come through the floorboards

On my answering machine

But by the time I reached the phone's ring

The only thing still singing was the dialtone

I couldn't find you in my dreams

So I went out into the night

I heard you talking somewhere soft

Your voice bounced off a satellite

But by the time I reached the place

From where the sound originated

You were gone

But I smelled summer in those letters

That you sprayed with your perfume

I breathed your breath

And I was left swaying with the curtains in the room

In the knowledge you would leave me

Beneath the angry April moon where you first found me

You've got one too many lovers

But you're still my only friend

And you got more secret admirers

Than there are snakes in the garden

And by the time you're finished kissing

Whoever's come around hissing

You're spitting out poison

And all the people have their reasons

For the things they think they have to do

But none of the reasons you're speaking

Sound anything like the truth

Each one sounds like a composite

Each one sounds like a new excuse for letting go

So let go

If all that's left is letting go

As the x-ray clearly shows

This thing was broken long ago

The bars will close

And the ashtrays overflow

I won't be there on Thursday night

But I hope you all have fun

You may not recognize my absence

But I won't be the only one

Who goes missing from your party

As the stitches come undone