When reading the words,
those screen-slidings,
of another, posted anonymously,
who’s voice do you hear?

A voice of a mother?
Slightly breathy you
mistake for sensual
but she experiences
as a night with a husband
who did not hear
their newborn?

When reading a streamlined
visualization of data
mesmerizing colors and flows
tantalizing your eager eyes:
who’s voice do you hear?

A voice of a booming bald presence?
prestige suit and logo branded backdrop
mistake for control
but she experiences
as a day struggling with pain
of chemical gain and hair loss
of hearing stats of her survival?

when reading a still photo
showing a naked girl
running along a dusty road
elegant grayish black ‘n’ white
who’s voice do you hear?

A voice of a soldier?
screaming bestial crows
grinding teeth in lust,
clinging on weaponry of the flesh,
for his untold story in the evening news
of his and comrades deeds unspeakable?

When you listen inside your head
Who’s voices do you hear
theirs or yours singing an ear-worm
in painful teething repetition
is that, your voice, really?

—animasuri’22