First, the old-fashioned dial tone,
zenith of nothingness.
Who invented that?

The almost-silent radio
after Country Carl’s
sign-off prayer,

Blues singer fading to needle hiss
as a Victrola winds down
in an empty room,

Leave off a steam train whistle–
though it inspired
many a fine old song.

At the tone, the time will be
three a.m.
Exactly.