Drain You

I avoid
conversation
like the plague
with
those
I cannot stand:

Poets,
neighbors,
strangers
on the bus.
...not all of them,
but some of them
drain you.

I prefer the noise
of crows
and birds,
dogs that bark,
crickets:
the human voice
isn't always
soothing:
its words,
its propaganda.

I walk in silence.
My imaginary friend
says hello.