not a creature was stirring

the clock struck midnight

out there, somewhere

unanimous cheers rang throughout the air

overlapped by the pops, crackles, and fizz of the captivating light show above.

families were out toasting to the new

lovers were plastered lip to lip, hip to hip

looking forward to the life laid out ahead

the past loomed behind, 

not to be found anywhere on the streets of New York

or the bars of Las Vegas,

but drowning in the very tub I prepared.

the clock struck midnight

but I was the only one who really heard

every tick and tock that progressed to the inevitable

the clock struck midnight

and it could be heard throughout the house

it was a silence that rang with the hum of a past never truly forgotten

it struck deep into my heart and implored me in vain to look ahead

but my foolish eyes lingered on dusty reminders of dimpled smiles and red wine parties

and my mind could not forget what my soul had once felt

my lover was lost

somewhere between Fifth Avenue and Baker Street

I heard her beckoning until the mid of night hushed her lovely lullabies

and left my ears to hear the heart-rendering silence of a love begging to be forgotten

as I submerged beneath the waters to mute the inaudible sorrow.

the clock struck midnight 

and I was the mouse.