Music of the NightPain pierced Ruth's gnarled, gnarled hands. Hands twisted from arthritis. Hands that once made audiences cry as they flew across the Steinway keyboard. Hands, which the New York Times once called the hands of an angel. Now she was the one crying. He thought about his wasted life. Her beautiful silk robes were replaced with rough robes. He now wore clothing suitable for cleaning the concert hall where he once performed. His dreams had shattered against the rocks of reality. She brought this work close to the stage that had brought her so much joy. Tears had clouded her eyes, obscuring her vision. He would never again hear the thunderous applause, nor experience the standing ovation of thousands of people. Those days were gone. When she went on stage the audience held their breath. Even in the largest concert hall you may hear the smallest sound. If someone coughed on those sitting around, that individual would turn to frown in their direction. You could almost hear an audible sigh at the first note. The audience sat for hours, mesmerized by the reverberation emitted by the piano. With a groan, he laboriously picked up the fabric and the shiny brass handles of the front doors. Through these doors thousands of excited people rushed to listen to her. It seemed like a lifetime ago. "Hey, Rosy." Ralph called. "What are you doing? You have to end up with these doors for hours.” “Sorry Ralph, some kid threw up in the third row. It took a while to clean up.” Ruth said responding to the name she had adopted for her new life. Well, you better hurry. Mr. Wheeler will be here any minute to check the place out. He wants everything to be perfect for the Christmas concert on Sunday." "I'm done." Ruth assured him. 15 minutes later... in the center of the paper... tears of joy from the head fell onto the lap of the dirty dress. Then the theater erupted in thunderous applause. Ruth looked confused at a standing room only crowd. The soundman had accidentally left the loudspeaker on. Mr. Wheeler was the first to arrive they went to work they were attracted by the music. The hope, joy and tranquility that flowed from Ruth's finger seemed to touch their hearts and gave them hope. They showed up at the theater for this unexpected concert. When the seats were filled, they remained in the aisles .Ruth's music is different today. Oh, she can still enchant audiences, yet there is a pleasing excellence in her performances. In the night his song will be with me. Psalms 42:8Merry Christmas © 2013Darrell Case