Obsessed

Obsessed Hours and hours practising “Practice makes perfect!” Others have described Antonio’s playing as perfect. He has played in spectacular locations. Even before Kings and Queens. One day Carnegie Hall, the next day the Britannia Panaopticon Music Hall, followed by Concertgebouw in Amsterdam at night. Still he knows it is not perfect, so he practises. Some think he is obsessed. Perhaps they are right. There are not many who understand him, but Selena does. She started playing violin when she was three. Her first instrument a small violin made by Alexandru, a Romanian Master. He measured it perfectly for her tiny hands. Alexandru would also say, “Practice makes perfect”. He would watch how determined Selena was as she practised. Dark raven hair framed her face. As she concentrated she would bite her lip. Inside he smiled, still he did not praise her too highly. An artist needs to feel dissatisfied to progress. Every year on Selena’s birthday, he gifted her a new violin, lovingly made by his hands. Twenty six years old twenty three violins later, Antonio steps into her life. Selena and Antonio would play together several times. She was inspired by his intensity. His music caressed her soul. “Practice makes perfect!” kept going through her mind. She also thought “He is so handsome.” Antonio seemed so single minded, she wondered if he even noticed her. He did! When she played her violin Antonio’s fingers and lips tingled. For the first time he felt out of control. There was a freedom in that that he had not previously experienced. She asked, “May I practise with you?” Looking at her bright blue eyes and raven hair he could not resist. “It would be my honour.” They went to his apartment in Manhattan. Somehow she expected more grandeur. It appeared his tastes were simple and elegant. In the corner sat an unpretentious upright piano. The keys were well worn from hours of practising. He noticed Selena looking at it. Antonio said “That is my first piano, it has been in my family for years.” She smiled and said “I still have my first violin”. Then she asked him “Will you play for me?” He looked like a shy boy when he said “yes”. He walked to her placing his hands on her waist and asked “May I?” Confused and pleased, she said “Yes.” Antonio lifted her gently on top of the piano. He smiled and said “I want you to feel my music.” “I will create a piece for you.” He started with “Largo”, soft gentle hands caressing the worn keys. He progressed to “Andante”. As his fingers walked along the notes. Selena felt the subtlety of his flow. Antonio progressed to “Marcato” playing with more force. This is when Selena started biting her lip. She felt the vibrations at her centre. Then he dropped back to “Dolce” sweet and gentle. Selena felt like part of his instrument. She imagined his other instrument inside of her. As Antonio progressed to a “Leggiero” swift and soft motions, she felt like he was teasing her. When he increased to “Animato” she let out a moan. Antonio moved to a Crescendo gradually increasing until she achieved her release. Now it was Selena who looked shy. He gently lifted her from the piano. As he dropped her to the floor she could feel his arousal. They both wanted a different kind of practice. When Antonio guided her to his bedroom they both thought. “Practice makes perfect.” In the end they both struck the perfect note. One of ten of my poems that is published in the book, “Guardians of The Quill, Volume I”