youthful days were loud
boisterous boyhood noise
competition for attention
the order of each day -
and so i grew
welcomed the challenge
of finding center stage
with my strident
enthusiastic voice

somewhere in growing
came a quiet understanding
not all who heard me
did so willingly
and over time
resented
so i did a descrescendo
softened tone and timbre
took a less intrusive path

perhaps my song
more subtle now
will not appeal to some
but i will still be heard
by those who know to listen
for good things
sotto voce