Last semester in my English class, we wrote an “Exploratory Essay.” The prompt was open-ended, and I chose to write on two of the most important things in my life (piano and nature) in the context of the beauty that is hidden within. While I shall never force you to read my paper in its entirety because of the style it is written in, I would like to share this excerpt in the hopes that one day, you’ll perhaps be able to feel this way about something so intangible:
When my fingers meet the keys, the world dissolves. Nothing matters but the sound. Faces in the audience, once distinct, now blur and join in the collective darkness that envelops me. The black, gleaming envelope of over two hundred pounds begins to open. The once pearly surface of the keys is scratched and scarred with abuse, creating a mirage of memories and nightmares. Yet the golden strings gleam, free of dust and torment, as untouched as the stars. Vibrations of the strings begin at a minimum, quietly bouncing side-to-side. Distinct, individual motions of fingers blur together as casual, slow notes hasten and become tense, harried notes. Anger and despair drips from the strings as the vibrations become uncontrollable and violent.
White keys grey with shadows as my fingers glide across the keyboard. Thoughts in the form of phrases float into the still air. The windings on the strings disappear as white-tipped hammer bounces against trios of strings, sending ripples down several feet of wire and several columns of yellow. Dampers tap dance atop the strings like marionettes. The piano rocks slightly on its legs as plumes of desire spill from the strings vibrating in harmony.
My body sways in time with the lyricism as a tree in a faint breeze. An alto voice sings the melody, forcing soprano to step aside. My fingers tumble over each other, deliberately pressing keys. My eyes close and my body tilts back. The forte ends and what is left is a shimmering sea of relaxing strings swimming in the darkness.
