The Music Inside   by Al Geist

     The joung boy sat in the audience quietly listening to the violin
performance in progress. He leaned back and closed his eyes. His heart was 
bursting with ecstasy. In his mind's eye the notes became colors that swirled
and danced with the melody. He floated up amoung them. The sound and light
filled his being and left him feeling light and happy even after the 
performance finished.

     He remained in his seat as the others left the auditorium. He watched
the people mingle, chat, and leave. The stage curtain was closed and the
stage was dark. In the silence of the empty hall, the music again filled
his being and drew him down to the stage. He peeked behind the curtain.
There in the dim light he saw the master's instrument sitting on a side 
table. He walked over and stared at the violin that had filled him with 
such ecstasy.

     Suddenly he was aware of someone standing behind him. He looked
back over his shoulder as the master asked, "What do you seek?"
"To play the violin as beautifully as you sir."
"And why do you seek this?"
"Because the music filles me with so much happines."
"Your desire must be great to achieve this level of mastership. Many
years of study are required."
"I will study hard!"
"Yes you will. But first ponder this, why do I play this music?"
The boy turned back to the violin on the table. He thought about
the music inside and pondered the master's words.