Source — (Pixabay)

Voice Box

Where is yours?

There is a window directly opposite of my writing desk from where I sit. In the brutal heat of summer that window is usually closed as the air conditioner cools the apartment. In winter it is often closed to keep the warmth in. In spring and fall the window is always wide open.

Through this delightful window I can hear the community in which I live. I can hear the trains (just three blocks away) either rumbling through town or coming to an ear-shattering screeching halt. I can hear the traffic on the highway (just two blocks away). I can hear the loud motorcycles or the pickup trucks drag-racing through town. I can hear the ambulances or fire trucks or police cars. I can hear an occasional gunshot or fireworks (it’s hard to tell the difference). I hear all the human noise my town has to offer.

But there are other times when all I hear are birds or crickets. These are the times during which I never wear headphones.

When it is a hundred and eight degrees outside (Fahrenheit) or when it is sixteen below zero outside (Fahrenheit) and the window is shut tight I sometimes wear headphones. Listening to music can be a bit more exciting than listening to the droll hum of the air conditioner or the sound of freezing bones rattling.