Violin with 3 strings

 Violin with 3 strings

It was another day full of excitement,

Watching Itzhak Pearlman perform live was no less than an achievement.

A legendary violinist of his time,

Missing his concert at Lincoln Center would not be less than a crime.

It was an opportunity to witness his performance,

His grandeur was evident to spread his fragrance.

It was Nov 18, 1995 when a day was engraved in history,

Embracing stage with braces in both legs was as good as a mystery.

With aid of 2 crutches, he managed to take his position,

At packed Avery Fisher Hall, the audiance sat with rapt attention.

The world was aware that he was stricken with polio at a young age,

However, his love and passion for music was the only thing he leveraged.

"Symphony band" commenced and everyone were gazed,

Magical finger on his violin made everyone amazed.

Two hours passed by in flick of seconds,

Another hour more before the final bell responds.

Suddenly, speaker made some weird annoying noise,

A pleasant evening was about to loose its poise.

We realized that an unfortunate event was about to transpire,

One string of violin broke, which Pearlman would never aspire.

Audience waited for the violin to be replaced,

But Pearlman's plans were difficult to be traced.

He did not get up, nor did he repair the string,

Closing his eyes, audience saw him contemplating.

Nodding the conductor, he strikes a chord,

As if ready to face the situation with his music sword.

The band was stunned and so were the audience,

Not able to believe their senses to get such an experience.

How can someone play violin with 3 strings with out any practice,

Play phenomenally well, even if a tragedy comes without any notice.

The last session was a master piece with immaculate precision,

Why did he sit and kept playing, what made him take that decision?

The concert ended with standing ovation,

Claps and cheers encouraging the determination.

Pearlman thanked everyone for their warmth and affection,

He wanted to convey a message and a reason for his action :

"It is an Artist's task to find,

How much music you can make, with not what you have,

But with what is left behind"

Doesn't this go with us, when life shows its darker side,

Why not stand up and play life's music with whatever is left by our side.

                               - Ankit P. Shingala

                      (Sambodhi Insights

                      Inspired by a real story)