His Master's Voice
Uncle, ahead of his time, bought a Victrola.
He trusts the innate skills of the newer generation
with this latest technology. With pride he places
the mahogany box before me, lifts its cover,
exposing a picture of a dog guarding a Gramophone –
His Master’s Voice. We learn to choose a fresh needle,
fasten the bolt on the silver arm, fold it back into its cradle.
A few cranks and the turn-table is wound, poised to unravel – long
enough for one song by Belarsky, Uncle’s favourite cantor.
(Only years later, we’d notice distortion of the bass,
upgrade the glistening horn with a broad-range woofer).
Uncle listens, closes his eyes – he’s back
in his shtibl, holding his father’s hand.
The air is heavy with dying scents – snuff, tabac.
It’s that special day. The Great Cantor is visiting.
He’s singing so close at hand that he feels
the spray of his spit.
Page(s) 35
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