Why does Grandma sound far away?
She is across our breakfast table.
Her voice is soft today.
So, I try new earphones.
They are hearing-assist earphones.
They make nearby voices clearer.
They do not close my ears.
They take in sounds around me.
Then Grandma asks, “More tea?”
Before, I often said, “What?”
But now, her words are clear.
I smile and say, “Yes, please.”
The table did not get smaller.
Grandma did not move closer.
Still, her voice feels near.
Sometimes, better sound brings people closer.
