this term seems more fitting
for you than the others —
hypophonia, dysarthria, apraxia  

you whose voice seduced me
with Neruda, who raised our baby     
on Milne and William Blake,
blasted your classes with Ferlinghetti,
whose words got you fired more than once  

now cursed with Parkinsons,
you offer a toast
at our daughter’s wedding  
with words inaudible  

when we are alone, I put my ear to
your mouth, breathe in
what sounds you still can whisper