Still Preparing

by Peggy Kjelgaard

(Written in 2012)

Lights dim
Audience calms

The pianist steps onto the stage
with vibrant confidence

She gracefully softens the applause
As she takes her seat

Her hands brush across her lap
Smoothing out the wrinkles in her gown

She takes a deep breath
and closes her eyes

Releasing her fingers to the ivories
She summons all to her harmonic sanctuary

The moment melts into the melody
She becomes one with the keyboard

From the balcony
I listen

Wondering how she found
nirvana so young

My own life
a continuous crescendo of rehearsals