Ambient Noise

I have grown to be background noise.

not noticeable noise,

like air conditioner kicking on noise,

or the noise of the house settling.

I have settled into silence

because I thought that was what you would want:

something not too present,

but only a switch flip away.

I hate to be more than I have been asked to be,

and I hate to ask for more than I require,

but I wish you'd ask:

"why is the house creaking?"

“why is it so cold in here?"

or

“how can I love you, you floor board, you clock tick, hum of an old light?"

but if you did, I'd smile, and I'd hum quieter.

And that's all I'd do.