Cassette Tape

My brother found an old cassette

Recorded several weeks

Before our father died and yes,

My dad both laughs and speaks.

There was no voicemail then and so

My mother did record

A little message; thereby

Both their voices have been stored.

My mom talks first, with updates

On my father’s health; I’d bet

They had no clue how dire

The situation soon would get.

A visit to the doctor next;

My dad was short of breath.

In three weeks’ time, we’d get the call

To tell us of his death.

Despite today’s technology

And knowledge we’ve amassed,

What’s magical to me is hearing

Voices from the past.