The Violin

The sun was shining brightly Yet it was only pleasantly warm It shone through the windows Chasing the gloom from the stone manse. I left the door open as I fully entered the room 5 To let the soft breeze enter I looked about me The room I stood in was large Thick rugs of varied colours graced the wood floor Little specks of dust floated by the window 10 Set ablaze by the golden light. All was still and silent The gleam of silver caught my eye I turned my head to the window On a blue cushion rested a violin with silver strings 15 I walked slowly toward it This is what I had been looking for! The polished wood gleamed with brilliance Highlighting the gold and red of the grain I slid my finger across the smooth top 20 Leaving a print that marred its perfection I raised it to my shoulder Sliding the bow across the strings The warm, rich tones filled the room Nearly alive in their power to speak 25 Rising or falling at my every whim. It felt as if it were made for me And had been eagerly awaiting my appearance. There came the faint sound of a young woman singing I regretfully set the violin down 30 And turned to the door The voice grew steadily louder Then it ceased. She entered and smiled at me "You played the violin." 35 "How did you konw?" "Because I am free. I was bound by a curse, you know." I did not, but nodded anyway "Go ahead-- take it. It has been waiting for you." My breath caught. Did she really mean it? 40 She whispered softly, "Go; and my peace go with you. It has brought naught but ill to me."