27th Movement

#15/30

I stand before you today as the 27^th movement in a symphony of providence;

An exquisite opus played to sold out crowds, evoking awe and bringing forth tears

Stirring idle artists to new endeavors, transforming lives. I am the climax in a romantic movie.

I am stage presence; I am the only thing in the room when the lights go down.

I am not merely a result of my own virtue; I did not

Get here on my own.

I exist because of measure after measure of the right notes at the right time.

I am the result of decades of cracked instruments, bleeding fingers and imperfections reworked

I was born when a geniuses’ sweaty midnight inspiration

Exploded following weeks of ashen stagnation

I rose from hard work and fate mixed with mere chance;

Here in equal parts because of hours of finger bleeding practice

And because of notation written well and skillfully taught.

I emerged  from musicians with the right style of talent

Brought together on delicate instruments and led

By a conductor who was born with a tempo where blood should have been.

I am an audience willing to listen, a critic with a kind ear and supportive words.

I am a work of art that can only be played under the right circumstances; I am a tune

That’s forgotten when favor declines.

I am a masterpiece that concludes when fortune expires.