| Board : | |
| Author : | |
| Subject : | |
| Date : | |
|
Her hands slowly took hold of the harp that lay sleeping, silent in its peaceful rest. A light whisking of dust filled the air as the woman tipped the towering oaken harp upward. The light peering in from the far window illuminated rays of particles in the air like scattered stardrops, Jeiwan's eyes widened. An almost silent gasp escaped her delicate lips and a sadness could now be seen in her worn face. "My dear friend, how I have neglected you," she spoke softly to herself. She struggled with her composure, shifting in her seat. The touch and feel was still a bit off. It had been ages since she had last held her harp. A bit of adjusting. Comfortable now, and feeling as if all fit as it should, she allowed her body to relax. Her hazy eyes now examined the beautiful instrument she held before her; tracing lines along its elegant curves, and making note of the intricately woven strings. Unable to sate her senses with only sight, her withered; yet soft gentle hands began their journey of rediscovering a touch, a feeling, once thought lost to them forever. Fingers tingled and hands quivered as she moved slowly across the stained wooden frame pausing to remember each memory. A nook--A love so fair. A small scratch--A child cherished. A faded patch--A fair on the shores of Dae. Jeiwan's lips trembled unable to contain the moments that flooded back. Such crisp, memorable events--not blurred like her failing vision but vibrant images alive in her heart. The strings. She was afraid, ashamed even--to allow her fingers such pleasant of touch; such splendor as to grace the delicate strings. She closed her eyes and let out a long sigh of uncertainty. Within her a struggle mounted. Racing forward emotions, clashing violently unable to agree with one another. Seconds passed that seemed like years of uncertainty. Then, in the unnoticed realm of physical existence a sound so heavenly rang out piercing the churning thoughts locked in her mind. A feeling of warmth and peace took hold of Jeiwan, something so lost within her it had almost ceased to exist. Without realizing her physical actions Jeiwan's fingers had inched forward and into perfect position poised elegantly at either side of the harp. Now, able to comprehend her actions, Jeiwan's entire face was aglow. The woman that sat so boldly before the harp that now shone bright in the captured sunlight, was no longer Jeiwan. No, this woman was of untold youth and beauty. A beauty so rich the wealthiest of kings could not barter enough gold and jewels. No longer hands of withered flesh, but silken and taught. Her hair turned gray with wisdom, now shone golden and brightly against a dress of silk only the greatest of artisans could weave. Her piercing blue eyes marveled at the harp before her, restored--youthful as she. And with her hands still perfectly poise a song filled her head. In that moment her fingers reached inward and began to pluck cord by cord a melody. It started softly; elegant in its execution and slowly it lifted. A song telling her story, a story of a passion rediscovered and a love so dear. The melody rose, and fell bursting with emotion, pulling at the very hearts of listeners--and listeners there were. People gathered outside Jeiwan's home wondering where such heavenly a tune originated. A heavenly tune strung so perfectly--from a small room at the back of a tattered home; filled with all the priceless belongings of a woman, old and withered. A woman of such splendor and beauty that even age could no longer hide it. This was the day Jeiwan taught even the young, of the beauty all around them. --Zinx | |