Sitting in the last row

of the last tier

I lean back in my chair

resting my head against the velvet covered wall



I feel the notes surrounding me

some faster

some slower

the waterfall of sounds cascades gently about me



And then so powerful

explodes a voice

from a place deep in his

soul

I feel tears welling in my eyes

I have no idea what the translation of his song is

But I understand perfectly the meaning in his heart



And then

a sweeter

more delicate one

I recognize the melody

Un Bel Di



my heart beats faster

awaiting the expected rise in her fantastic voice



the room begins to soar with her

higher and higher

there seems no limit

Where she is taking us

farther into her well of pain

no matter

I will follow



We land back in our seats, her song is finished

But I replay the music

over and over



now it is a part of me

many do not appreciate the opera

they do not understand

it is more than theatre

it is more than mere music

IT is communication between souls.