Drumbeat
The drums sing through him.
Boom boom boom.
He hears them when he wakes, when he shits, showers, shaves, stands in count, his body dancing ever-so-slightly to the rhythm all around him.
Boom boom boom.
Everything matches the drums. The shuffling walk of the old men, the curses and shouts of the homeboys, the snort the sniff the high, blood pounding in his ears in perfect beat.
Boom boom boom.
His laugh is the melody, the drums his soul, twisting and blending until all of Oz moves in syncopation.
Boom boom boom.
The shouting of McManus.
Boom boom boom.
The prayers of the Muslims.
Boom boom boom.
The whine of Kenny.
Boom boom boom.
The buck and squeal of Schibetta.
Boom boom boom.
The fading heartbeat of the old hougan.
Boom boom boom.
The thud of a slamming door.
Boom.