A Response to Roy Orbison

I was so unused to sound
evoking such a strong,
emotive pallor that
on weeping through the strains
of “She’s a Mystery to Me”,
I thought forgotten trauma
was now coming out,
but no,
the ripping of my soul,
the splitting of my personality,
the dull machete through my heart
was just his rich and supple voice,
the clear enunciation of each word
and simile, a masculine build
but ripe with loving art.