Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: ZEST (10/01/15)
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TITLE: Fiery Harpist | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
10/05/15 -
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At 8:42 on a Thursday evening, two seconds into a conversational lull among the 37 ‘black tie’ guests of Harper Stevenson, Daniel made his entrance – without a black tie.
Not that a black tie would have distracted from the shoulder length dreads that made his mouse brown hair look like an upside down used mop. Not that a black tie would have stopped the stares that focused on the tangled bird’s nest which tried to pass for a beard on his chin. Not that a black tie would have stopped the gasp of the mayor’s wife as she spotted the pentagram etched on the intruder’s cheek. Only that the black tie would have let everyone know he might possibly belong.
Daniel sported a plaid lumberman’s jacket, knee high unlaced work boots, faded jeans torn at the knee and a six foot harp. He wore white gloves and a ten inch cross that hung from his neck on a golden rope. A single diamond stud protruded garishly from his left ear lobe. Zesty, perhaps, was an understatement.
The two seconds of silence would have lasted longer if Ziggy Holman didn’t break into giggles at the facial expression which Harmon Ludwig cast in her direction. Her scarlet ankle-length formal by Dolce & Gabbana shook like jelly in an earthquake just long enough for her to realize she had become the new show in the room. In that instant she became a statue like the other 36 ‘black tie’ guests of Harper Stevenson.
Daniel’s trip over an extension cord saved Ziggy from prolonged attention. As the newcomer swooned like a felled Douglas Fir he twisted onto his back and cushioned the harp on his chest. Harper and the Mayor rushed to pull the harp from off the fallen man but Daniel wouldn’t let go of it.
A lawyer and a doctor joined the first two men in grasping the harp and tugging on it. Daniel hung on tighter and began to sound off a loud “Ommm.” The four rescuers released the harp and stared along with everyone else.
“Are you okay?” Harper asked as he knelt beside Daniel.
Daniel shook his dreads and waggled his head side to side. “Don’t touch the harp.”
“Do you need help?” the mayor joined in with the inquiry.
Daniel shook his head. “I play alone.”
Robin Jefferson removed her heels and knelt beside Harper. She stroked Daniel’s pentagram. “You know how to make an entrance, Sugar.”
Daniel smiled. “No extra charge,” he said. “Did someone call for a fiery harpist? I’m the sub for today.”
Robin nodded at the four men who approached slowly. “Let us help you get this off so we can get on with the show,” she said. “Why are you called the ‘fiery harpist’?”
Daniel wriggled out from under his prize instrument as the five held it suspended above him. He assisted in getting it settled again on the floor. He removed a black tie from his pocket and looped it around his neck to hang with the cross. With pizzazz, he stripped off the covering on a glistening ebony pedal harp and revealed four small torches built into the crown, neck and shoulder. He pulled out a lighter from another pocket and lit the torches.
“I hope you like your music with a little kick,” he said. Harper had never heard Elvis resurrected through the gusto of a flaming harp before. He didn’t know Elton John could be captured with the pungency of a few strings. And never had he known that the Beatles were spicy harp enthusiasts. Daniel made believers of them all.
The 37 ‘black tie’ guests applauded for a bit and then drifted back to their small huddles of conversation. Daniel became background entertainment once more, until he played Amazing Grace. The zest of something ‘soul-like’ silenced the room again.
“Play ‘Swing Lo Sweet Chariot,” requested Robin.
Daniel complied and Robin began to sing. Ziggy joined in next and then the mayor. Harper felt the tension right to his core. He had specifically invited these elite few to announce the breakthrough for his company’s new ‘abortion pill.’
“I have an announcement to make,” Harper whispered to the mayor.
“About that announcement,” the mayor responded. “I forgot about souls. I’m withdrawing my endorsement.”
Daniel kept on playing.
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