I lost my voice
three weeks ago
I opened my mouth
and instead of words
strangled air came out

for a moment
I didn’t know
what I had said
what formula of alphabet
was intended to harmonize
from within

it was the first time
coming isolation of the world
filled my lungs
and clamped them shut
from any other ears but mine

but while gushes of air
were escaping
a slightly ajar jaw
my heart remained calm
the beats swayed into easiness

I couldn’t speak
could not share
the world I lived in
the mind that ruled me

I realised
I had only myself
to touch with speech
move with thought

“breathe”,
I said,
sometimes
that’s all you can do
and sometimes
that’s enough.

KH