The audience are getting restless.
The world-class pianist is yet to wander
onto the stage; the stool is vacant;
as nature is to an abhorred vacuum
public platforms are to seconds spent in silence.
The minutes pass and still no minuet
seems imminent; no virtuosic sonata
is evinced by struck keys; no toccata
is yet touching the heart-strings.
Where is the much anticipated ivory-tickler?
When will crashing chords alternate
with chromatic passages and diatonic themes?
Why … are … we … waiting?
Disgruntled, the audience murmurs, its members now muttering.
Some contemplate slow handclaps.
Others are rising to complain
but wait—
An off-stage minion starts applauding
and the pianist strolls onstage!
The audience heaves a collective sigh.
All is forgiven – let the concert commence!
Zenrinji 