Voices

Voices While the peepers perfume the twilight air and the barred owl sings her simple song, we rock gently, slowly on the old porch and in the gathering darkness listen for voices. Who, who speaks for you? Who speaks for you? For the longest forever it was mother. I hear her now at dawn, helping with homework I was too tired for last night. Where would I be if she were not there, and now here on this sofa beside me? Who, who speaks for you? Who speaks for you? Dad is a ragamuffin, a mop of happy gray hair, a jokester who keeps running the soft soothing patter of simple laughter. He tells the Principal he will keep me straight and military school will not be needed. Who, who speaks for you? Who speaks for you? Time evaporates into the peepers and slow rocking. I am back at the beginning, and I hear another voice. Don’t worry, Miss Amelia, you got a fine boy. He’ll be something one day, I know it. Who, who speaks for you? Who speaks for you? There have been so many who spoke for me, voices heard now over the dark transom of evening. All along the long river of my life, there have been angels who spoke kind words on my behalf. Who, who speaks for you? Who speaks for you?