Pianoforte

I´m learning to read and write and I like to do it on my own. All help is very welcome

Fran, that night the vicar´s wife couldn´t sleep; I asked her if she wanted anything to eat or drink and if she wanted me to do summat.

No, she answered twice.

That night the lady was really tired. She did not want to be anywhere. She felt that the world where she lived was no longer our world. Then I thought she had come to the conclusion that her life circle was complete.

It was then that I stepped on the shattered pieces of an old vase. She had struggled to open the lid of the piano.

Fran, do you know why I'm telling you this? Because this morning I heard a radio program that spoke of a public piano. Yes, it is a surprising story that has occurred in a small town - less than two hundred inhabitants - called Sant Llorenç de la Muga, in Catalonia.

That's how an American woman, Lisa Challans, insisted on getting a piano so the whole town could play it. I heard her say that the piano would belong to the people. Pianos for the people. It would be neither the city council nor any foundation or company. Can you believe it?

I also heard that whole the village helped to achieve the goal: a collection was made, the city council took care of the transport and even the local football team offered to raise funds. No sooner said than done, the operation was started.

The piano –secured by lot of ropes- travelled by van from Germany to Sant Llorenç.

Apparently in France - Paris, Toulouse - there are public pianos in the train stations. In our country too.

Dear Fran, if you consider this story is interesting, you should listen to the following:

A piano at one of the Paris train stations. A young, Gerard, wearing a casual T-shirt and shorts –this way go many boys currently- find the piano and begins play it. At once other lad, Nassim, carrying one rucksack approaches the piano and, standing and without taking off the backpack, begins play it. Both at the same time! Both on the same piano! Wonderful!

They do not know each other. They are two strangers.

Two different backgrounds; two different tongues but communicated by a universal language: MUSIC.

I don’t know if I´m becoming more sentimental with age but this couple gave me goosebumps.

I recommend this video to you.

The vicar´s wife loved music. That night she felt nostalgia. She played the piano when she was stronger and the disease was still far away.

She made me blush when she asked me if I knew play piano. I smiled.

Your affectionate,

Mary