Music of Emotion

Walking to the stage,
I can feel a million eyes on me.
I turn to face them, an audience            trapping me in their gaze
and a bright light shines in my face.
I bow nervously and sit
A subtle nod to the pianist,             and the piece begins.

A slow movement,
softly,
tentative at first,
each note in turn
held, stretched.

Next, a fast movement,
Fingers jumping, shifting, skipping.
The volume changing,                        piano . . .FORTISSIMO . . .
hands coordinated
with months of practice.
Comfortable with the eyes,            the glaring eyes,
I can finally play relaxed.
And soon the piece is over.            The performance is over
It’s finally over.

by Cole Tanigawa-Lau
8th grade, ‘Iolani School