Danzon No. 2

I was on the train.

Anxiously approaching Carnegie Hall

in a black dress

black heels

and my Starbucks cup in hand

We took the stage.

The full hall fell silent

the lights dimmed

the oboist gave an A

clear as crystal

we became one

one perfect pitch.

Our conductor waved his hands

the music began

I sat on the edge of my chair

shaking with fear

shaking with excitement

ready to call on the strength of those who made history here.

To call on

Bernstein

Mahler

Gershwin.

To make my own history.

To fill the hall with sound.

I feel so vulnerable but so powerful.