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Spadina Literary Review  —  edition 19 page 17

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To the Voice Institute

by Joan Wilding

Dear Sir,
I need a voice that is sustained and mellow.
This voice of mine has gone raspy, sometimes mute.
It’s unreliable some days.
I don’t want to sound quavery
when I want to be quick to make a point
or to be found fumbling
when I want to slip in slyly as others take a breath.
I need a voice that is spunky and sparkles with vivacity.

When playing bridge, I want to repel requests to repeat my bid.
My partner and opponents will wonder at my new assured voice.
They’ll no longer need to wait to hear me speak.
My voice, Dear Sir, once tuned up
by methods known to you, and then to me,
will clearly announce: “Seven spades!”

Sincerely yours,

Anne Applicant