A few weeks ago I wrote a writespiration based on ‘your first time’ this week I’m flipping it on its head and asking you to write about the last time you did something.
I’m not a quitter. Sure, I’ve tried things, decided I didn’t like them and stopped. But rarely do I start something with the intention of seeing it through to completion and then quit. It’s not in my nature. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t had a few last times. All the last times I’ve experienced were raw with emotion. If I made it far enough to have a last time, then I’d stuck at whatever it was I was doing – which means it’s was in my life for a long time.
I can remember one last time vividly. So rather than a story this week you have an anecdote: I played the cello for 7 years when I was at school, I adored it. Adored the way the strings pressed into my fingertips leaving marks for hours. I loved the way I could furiously whip the bow back and forth and how I could pluck and pull at the strings to form a symphony of notes. I could get completely lost playing the cello. It took me to magical places. But, playing in front of people was a no no. I only just managed to play in front of my tutor and do the occasional family recital, but really I played selfishly. For the love of it and for my own selfish enjoyment.
But one of the caveats of playing an instrument once you got to high school, was a requirement to play in the school orchestra. I hate rules, and hate playing in front of people even more. I was not under any circumstances going to play in the orchestra. The head of music and I were at a standoff. My point was that I’d played the cello long before I came to high school, so why should the rule apply. He was insistent he could differentiate.
The stand off lasted a year. I made it through year 9 ducking and diving the music teacher, avoiding him at all costs, and most definitely not giving up my lunch break to play in the orchestra. The thing is, I read music weirdly (surprise!). So I wasn’t able to just look at a new piece of music and play instantly, not like the others in the orchestra. They could play by ear or magically strum a new piece of music for the first time note and beat perfect.
One session at lunch (after I was forced to attend orchestra) the music teacher humiliated me because I missed some notes and couldn’t keep up with a brand new piece of music like the rest of the students. He singled me out. I don’t remember his exact words – but I remember being humiliated.
At the end of lunch I pulled him to one side. I said, “I’m not playing in your lunch orchestra.” He said I was.
“I’m bloody not…” I spat.
“Listen Sacha, I’ve had enough of this, if you don’t play in the orchestra I will ban you from having cello lessons. It’s your choice.”
So I let go of the cello watched him fumble to catch it and walked out of the music room.
That was the last time I played. ?
***
To last weeks writespiration and first up Geoff wrote this stunning poem:
It takes the brightest sun to create the darkest shadow
The white light of fission burns the retina
Plunging us into the deepest dark of blindness
You are the brightest light in my world
Yet you burn our love
And call me to the darkest place
Love is blind and love blinds
Light and dark; love and hate
The one cannot be without the other.
When loves course is smooth, no shadows show
But admit a crease of uncertainty,
Allow a wrinkle of doubt
And festering hate has a dark shadow
Within which to grow
***
Sarah wrote this profound piece:
Dark? The hollow blackness that nestles deep inside? I am carved, well and truly—my shell hides the cold. I am empty. Nothing resides within. My screams echo in this kind of darkness.
Light? The brightness I desperately try to unearth? I see rays filtering through ruins—the neglected remains of myself. I shrink away. Terrible things emerge. This kind of light illuminates the ugliness.
I must choose.
Charles Yallowitz says
I wouldn’t blame you for quitting after that. The teacher didn’t sound nice or professional.
Sacha Black says
God he was just awful Charles – a total bully. I still miss playing though. ?
Charles Yallowitz says
Shame you couldn’t find another way to keep at it somewhere else. A lot of people I know did music in school, but never kept up with it. Myself included, but I was pretty bad at it.
Sacha Black says
What did u play? It’s something I still might go back to. I’ve thought about buying a cello and having lessons again. Maybe when my boy goes to school and learns himself…
Charles Yallowitz says
I started on the trumpet, but braces in high school forced me to switch to baritone horn/euphonium. The other two baritone hones were musically gifted while I kind of limped along. I did better on stage than marching though.
D. Wallace Peach says
How sad that you were put on the spot and then given an ultimatum. Teachers are supposed to cultivate a love of learning; music teachers, a love of making music.
Sacha Black says
I know. It’s outrageous that teachers do things like that. I just hope that things have moved on and that doesn’t happen any more.
Ali Isaac says
Lovely story, Sacha, but what the hell kind of teacher was he? What a nob!
Anyway, I’ve missed a few writespirations lately, so I’m making up for it now; this one also incorporates a ‘First Time’ as well.
The last time you knocked me to the ground, kicked me in the stomach, hauled me to my feet with both your hands around my throat, and took from me that which I was not willing to give, that last time was special. It was not only the last time, but a time of many firsts.
The first time I ever stood up to you, the first time I ever fought back. You weren’t expecting it, and the surprise in your eyes as the knife bit deep was delicious, a memory I will long savour. How easy it was, in the end, yet I had endured so long.
Watching you writhe in agony, awash with your own blood, was the first time I enjoyed another’s suffering. It was the first time you said sorry. And also the last. The last time you drew breath was the first time I witnessed death, the first and last time I took a life.
I walked out the door for the last time, and for the first time, I felt free.
Sacha Black says
Wow, you have a habit of writing such emotionally powerful flash. I love this. and I love the ending.
macjam47 says
The piano teacher’s insistence that my son play in a recital (he was the only boy) brought him to the same end. My little 7 year old fired his piano teacher on the spot.
Lovely additions to your writespiration.
Sacha Black says
hahaha fired him! I love that he had the balls at 7 to do that 😀 he just became my hero!
Keith Channing says
What passes for my offering is at http://wp.me/p6t41V-1Of
Sacha Black says
Thanks I will come check it out 🙂
Hugh's Views and News says
The last time I fell in love, it was with you
The last time I felt secure, it was when I was with you
The last time I laughed, it was with you
The last time I felt happiness, was just by being with you
The last time I kissed, it was with you
The last time I cried, it was for you.
I know, I know, it’s very sad, but for some reason it’s what came to mind when I saw your challenge. Oh, and I don’t write poetry 🙂
Sacha Black says
aww Hugh – I love this. I thought you said yesterday it was crap. It’s not at all. I particularly like the ending/last line after all that nicest a twist at the end.
Hugh's Views and News says
I just remembered what you once said to me after I told you that one of my short stories was crap! Point taken 🙂
TanGental says
For 20 months I’ve relied on others to move me around, dress me, feed me. I’ve screamed but no one heard, I’ve cried but no tears have come. And then my prayer was answered; a miracle cure, a way out from inside myself. A blink, a smile, ancient wasted muscles screaming back to life. The last time I needed help to care for myself, I was handed a key to a flat; my own home. That was the last time people visited, the last time I had a conversation with some one who cared for me, the last time I felt wanted, loved. It was the last time I felt free; now my body is free but I am trapped.
Sacha Black says
ooh, thats a bit twisted! I like it. Love the two sides of this, the hope and then a dark ending… 🙂 thanks Geoff.
TanGental says
Thanks S
D.G.Kaye says
Good for you for standing your ground Sacha. Although, I hope you’ve found a way to go back to playing for your own enjoyment. 🙂