A CHANCE MEETING (A Miniature)

I saw you quite by chance,

Both confused and enthralled,

In the brightly lit precincts

Of the Conservatory's hall.

With a fluffy loud mane

Of cut fiery-red hair,

Clothed in austere dark gown,

You appeared on the stairs.

Face so sweet and elegiac,

Clearly marked by trials,

Steps so slow and solemn,

As is walking up aisles.

With your humble stature

And a pitiful salary

It was sumptuous to buy

Just one ticket on gallery.

But your only desire,

Only earthly ambition -

Hit the gala concert

Of a famous musician.

Now, the lights faded away,

The conductor took baton,

And the air splashed with sparks -

Charming sounds of "Don Juan".

For a blink I glanced back,

At your thin silhouette -

Lo, old face turned young,

Childish joy's pure vignette.

No wizard under skies

Could perform such a wonder -

What a fabulous reward

For the years broken asunder!...

Alas! Soon you'd be home,

Back to your misfortune,

Notes stained with grease

And the piano put out of tune...

Svetlana Goryacheva

December 22, 2008