The Recital

by Ardean T. Loertscher

Practicing,

My fingers walk along ivory steps,

Slowly sauntering at first, then confident,

They skip among ebony guideposts

Laced with arpeggios.

Lazy legatos meander

While staccatos dance with octaves.

Melodies parade in grand scale.

Applause,

Imagined whisperings of

great potential

and unbridled talent

Become a silent aria,

When in reality

My fingers promenade,

Stumble over chords,

Forget the way and fall!