Strangled Voice

The strangled voice
Needs time to sing
Constricting hands wrapped
so tight around the jugular vein
The strain
when first the words come out
A gross comparison to what it was
To what it could be
The bruises faded
The line inside so tender
Needing time to render

Shall it be a bluesy note
Guttural
Deep within
Shall it be a soprano
Tender and sweet
Maybe an alto to
carry the tune from behind
Never mind
She wants to sing
And that's all that matters

Practicing the notes
All alone
Until she gets it right
Her voice will surely
take flight
It's becoming recognizable
With a new tone
A strength
From the scars
that would heal
Outside
Inside

She'll sing with an ease
God
Just give her time
She'll sing in her car
as she travels far
Because now she can
A strangled voice
with the choice
To sit behind the curtain
Or step out on the stage
Bright lights blinding
Crackling with feeling
You'll hear her