Reflections within Placidity - Music in Motion

The feathered ones float aimlessly by
On the soft curvaceous body of the breeze,
Gently gliding amidst the white fluffy pillows
Of the brilliant blue expanse.
Those of aqueous nature meander instinctively
Upon the smooth perpetual ripples of the waves,
Silently skimming the colorless surface
Of the mystical deep.
Wide-eyed woodland creatures roam freely
Over the peaceful verdant terrain of the forest,
Beautifully blending with the other natural residents
Of the rich earthly realm.
I can do nothing,
Except become engulfed within the placidity.

So fresh. So peaceful. So Alive!

My heavy eyelids flutter and I am thrust into yet another state of being. Fragments of thought begin to swirl around and around, searching for a sturdy place on which to rest. Words literally float by, attempting not to collide. Each concept, each idea, seems to find a suitable safe haven: "Peace"…"Insanity"…"Memory"…"Loss"…"Pure-delight"…"Sorrow."

Silence engulfs me. Before I am able to open my eyes half way, one last word comes crashing down on top of the others. It is surrounded by an intense light and a loud harmonious note: "HOPE!"

The vision fades and I am left to the silence once again.

As I drift back to a somewhat conscious state, I see the conductor's arms swing rapidly upward, then fall just as swiftly. Loud clamors of trumpets and trombones erupt with each downbeat and continue with each enthusiastic sweep of the baton. Trilling flutes and clarinets manage to squeak through every now and then with their light little doodles. The pleasant sounds of the oboe and my vision, however, are no more. I frown in somewhat of despair.

Brief flashbacks to my land of wonder occur throughout the remainder of the piece, but none as permanent or as real as before. The corners of my mouth take on a more acute angle as I say to myself, "That was the most beautiful sound I have ever..." I stop myself short considering the implications of that thought, as well as the great extent I still need to hear. It was wonderful though.

The piece comes to an end and I drift back to a more conscious state. I rise and join in the applause of my fellow audience members, showing our appreciation to the orchestra. The conductor bows a few times, turns toward the orchestra, and signals them to do the same. In unison, they rise, bow, and proceed to exit from the stage. One by one they disappear. I sit down and stare at the quickly emptying stage.