On the Music of Verse

I can neither sing, nor play a musical instrument. I am devoid of musical talent, just like the rest of my family. Now, it is true that my mother could play the piano, although since she was completely tone deaf, I’m not sure that counts. My sister briefly imagined that she could play the drums, and I’m quite sure that that doesn’t count. My father simply ignored all matters musical.

Despite my family background, I yearned for music and musicality. Then when I was about ten or so, I fell in...