Dancing Hands

Walking towards the stage, Trying not to cry. This better make the front page, For I’m about to die. I look up and see the piano, So glorious and black. Suddenly I’ve forgotten how to swallow, But that won’t set me back. I go onstage and sit on the seat, My feet not touching the floor, I know the judges can hear my heartbeat, It’s my first competition at the young age of four. I take a breath and start my little song, My hands dancing gracefully across the keys, I keep praying nothing goes wrong, Just thinking about the trophies. I finish with a bang and take a quick bow, Loving the applause from the crowd. The first thought in my head was “wow,” I’ve never seen my parents more proud. The awards come around, and I place third, Not bad for someone my age. This is one of the memories that is most treasured, The first time I played for a crowd onstage.