Guitar man

     He walked to the stage his guitar waiting for him. A small spotlight the only thing he saw. It had always been his dream to sing his songs, simple and heartfelt melodies he wrote when the world was asleep. A tall and lanky kid growing up alone by choice. He often thought he wasn’t normal, others thought so as well. His mom would tell him to keep playing, keep writing, and above all else, keep his love for music close to his heart. The stage was getting closer as superstars stood for him and a once loud crowd became silent as he strapped on his old guitar and prepared to sing his farewell song.

     He stood there for a moment as if reaching inside of himself to find within the strength to sing. One deep breath and he began to strum the guitar, a beautiful melody that sounded like a chorus of angels playing on harps, but it was his old guitar that the sound came from, deep and smooth reaching out to the back of the theatre with a  force that cant be explained, only felt. His fingers found the frets and chords by themselves as he believed they were as one and born to perform.

     He wrote this farewell song late last night when the rest of the world was sleeping. He thought of his mother and the love she had for him. Her belief in him and her constant encouragement when others doubted him. He thought about the countless times he played for packed houses, and the times he played for himself. He grew old with his music, each song a part of his journey that told a story. The old guitar was the only one he had ever owned. A gift from his mom that held within it a lifetime of song.

     His voice was a bit rough this night of his farewell performance, but his words were stronger than ever, and the emotions were felt by all. He finished his song, and the audience showed their love and respect for the old man by clapping until he left the building. As he headed for home, his driver of many years softly told him how much he was loved as the applause faded and another song came to him like all of them had, from his heart. 

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