For many years I've had a common and incurable phenomenon known as tinnitus - which is a ringing sound in your ears, often related to hearing loss, blood pressure, allergies, or sometimes brought on by dozens of different medications.
I think of it as the hum of the universe. I guess more properly it is the hum of the "innerverse." I find it comforting to know everything is circulating and my inner machineries are on with their usual whirl . On most days this ever-present accompaniment fades to the background, becomes unnoticed. Today I am noticing it more than usual, though I don't find it unpleasant.
Not everyone is amused by this malady. It drives some people crazy and they go to great lengths to find a cause and to mitigate the sound, sometimes with electronic devices that make still more static sounds. For me, as for many, the cause is unknown.
It's funny how what one person finds comforting, drives another to distraction. Life is like that I guess, what with all the little preferences we hold.
The photo is a reflection of a patron at the Blue Colony Diner in Newtown. The overall effect of each tiny light, with its reflection in the double-paine glass, reminded me a little of the layered ringing sound. She also appears to be covering an ear.
Comments are welcome.
-- Mar Walker
