Now it is late afternoon
in this dwindling day of summer
the light is intense
all blue and green
with shining river

Like a visit from the past
come the sounds of an ancient
recording
with all the scratches and imperfections
of early artistry

But the fluid and seamless voice
of Rosa Ponselle
melts the heart
as well as the years that have mourned
her irreplaceable presence.

ARW