An Angel's Piano

It was just one of those days.  It wasn't that anything went particularly wrong, just that nothing really went right.  And those days will, of course, come up every once in a while.  I felt like it had sucked the life out of me and I was just zombing on like a brain-dead fool. 

Done with class, and I managed to point myself in a direction and go. I just wanted to get to my boyfriend's for a hug....and maybe to whine about what good things didn't happen during my grueling day. 

Walking past one of the dorms I heard this music coming from and open window.  After some unnecessary creeping, I discovered a guy playing piano like there was no tomorrow.  I could either stand outside of that extremely transparent window and wait for that awkward moment of eye contact or go inside and sit down.  I opted for number two. 

I silently slipped through the door and waited for him to finish his piece then abruptly asked if i could sit down and listen for a while.  He obliged and told me if there was any music I particularly liked.  My response, "Anything except degrading rap, hillbilly country or that dubstep shit."  Small laughs preceded him explaining that he had a couple of original pieces put mostly wrote renditions of popular contemporary songs.  He agreed to play for me after realizing that I, a complete stranger, just needed something to put a smile back on my face. 

The moment his hands touched the ivory, and music resonated through the room, tears began rolling down my face. 

I have heard musical geniuses play musical instruments.  But this was the first time in years that I had witnessed an individual literally pour his heart and soul in to a piece.  And as his heart beat with the rapid tempo, something in my heart opened and just released energy and emotion that I have been holding onto for a year.  Eyes closed, ears opened, I was overwhelmed. 

I recognized two of the three songs he played in the medley.  The first must have been a song he had written while the second was one of my favorites, Hallelujah and the third was a national favorite, Amazing Grace. By the time he finished, I had stopped crying but my face still showed how many tears I'd cried. 

I immediately started asking him about himself and how he came to play so well.  It wasn't surprising that he played several instruments but had a sincere passion for the piano.  And though he was in love with music he, like so many others, had decided to major in something more practical.  Now, he just plays to speak to people and maybe put a smile on their face.  Mission accomplished.

I politely thanked him while he gave me a hug.  He hoped my day would get better and I said goodbye and took my leave. 

His name was Christian.  As I continued on my way, spirits lifted, I honestly believe that I had just met, and been touched by an angel.