Two grand pianos on the stage,
Their black lacquer costume reflects
Sunlight passing through the gaps
In between houses surrounding the church plaza.

A man in white linen pants, black shirt,
Walks up towards the stage,
Sits down on one piano stool,
Fingers hovering over keys
Brimming with black and white anticipation.

A melody unfolds, at first pianissimo,
Entering the audience's minds in minor key,
Accelerating with each beat,
The pianist hunched over, his fingers a blur.

The anxious melody swells on,
Like a wave approaching the cliffs.
Closing in, it grabs our hearts
And doesn't let them go.

A final ascension, resolution in the tonic.
A moment of silence ensues—
Relieved exhales all around,
A smile plays on the artist's face.

One clap, then another.
A steady crescendo.

For one moment, all are one,
Brought together by their awe,
And their shared emotional journey
Of black and white.

Inspired by seeing Alfonso Peduto play on our Church Square the other day.

His music is beautiful, I love his Nachtmusik, and the letters for a restless world are a perfect break.