Evening Thoughts

Grandma Stella reflects on the profound impact of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Shahrezad, recalling how it moved her from a young age. She describes how the music transports her back to her youth, allowing her to dance gracefully in her mind, even as her pets listen contentedly.

There is some music that tugs at my heartstrings so strongly that I am almost reduced to emotional tears. I feel as if I was created at the same time as it was. One such piece of music is Shahrezad, by Rimsky-Korsakov. Even as a young girl it affected me greatly. I listened to it with deep emotion. I would sit still and concentrate, then I would sway to the music and feel my soul lift with elation.

It is dusk and I am alone in the house except for my pets. They lie at my feet and they too listen contentedly. My old pained body remembers the ballet steps I used to dance. In my mind, I am once more young and vital. I close my eyes as I listen to the music. I sway gently as my soul rises to dance with the light, graceful ballet steps of old. I feel elated as I dance. At last the piece comes to an end. With a happy smile on my face, I lift my arms in one last graceful pose. I am my young self once more. The piece is over. I open my eyes. I return to the present. My pets are curled up by my feet. Ah! That felt so good.