The music is calling to me. I can feel each note, each sound, yearning for me to play. But I can’t, someone else must take the stage. Prodigies, but no professionals like me.
My piano is asking me to play while little kids bang its poor keys. I hope they learn better.
“Everyone please get off the piano,” I say in a calm, soothing voice. “I would like to play a piece.”
The parents grab their kids and sit down, wondering how good of a piece I had. I cracked my knuckles and neck to place myself in position. The smooth and cold keys felt great against my rough and warm hands. I played The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, an amazing classic.
No one moved or talked, all eyes were on me. My eyes were shut, the only guidance I had was the music. The piano was thanking me for saving him but I want to thank him for allowing me to play a masterpiece.
Once I have finished, people clap and they cheer. I open my eyes to a standing ovation and take a bow. Age is just a number but the piano is everything.
“Would any of the kids like to try to play the piece. If they succeed in playing most of it accurate, I will take them as my prodigy and student. All children under the age of 18, please line up at the stairs to the stage.” I say. Kids run and trip, desperate to win the approval of a well known musician. But one girl, maybe the age of 10, takes her time. She walks calmly and with grace to the end of the line.
“Girl at the end of the line, would you like to go first?” I ask her.
She nods and the kids at the front part like the Red Sea. The girl sits at the piano and closes her eyes. She takes a deep breathe and starts to play. Her fingers glide over keys just as mine do. Once she is done, everyone is speechless but she receives a standing ovation as well.
“What is your name and how old are you?” I ask her, quite amazed.
“Grace Polize and I am 11, sir.” Her eyes show her potential and I want her as my prodigy.
“I have found my prodigy,” I announce in the microphone. “Everyone clap for Ms. Grace Polize!”
Everyone cheers and claps while I give her my card, stating name, address, and phone number. I tell her to meet me at the address. She nods and takes a bow.
I chose her because she wanted to play for herself, not with me. All those other kids ran to the front of the line to try to get to be my prodigy. I knew none of them would succeed because Grace had something none of them did. She had passion and played because of her passion.
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