I used to know a guy who spoke so well
he could have been a new Demosthenes,
until his brain misfired – like a spell,
he lost his speech in agonized degrees.

My children’s dad was always into sound –
acoustical control and music too.
Now isn’t it ironic that he found
he’s lost and losing hearing? Sadly true.

And as for me, the skill I value most
is honest memory. I want to keep
with clarity the episodes I’ve had.
I capture them in sonnets. I’ve a host
of metered recollections. Sure I’d weep
forgetting: Is this proof that I’ll go mad?