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TITLE: The Composition
By Rachel Burkum
04/22/09

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The symphony starts...a slow, quiet tempo. Darkness envelops the scene - a hushed void. The bass notes rise. An eerie mist begins to form. The instruments create a steady almost-hypnotic beat.

Suddenly, the orchestra comes alive as a beam of light shatters the darkness. The notes thunder through the air, making those who listen tremble. The pounding of the timpani reverberates from east to west, announcing the arrival of a spinning sphere - the handiwork of God.

Stars, moons, planets and galaxies...they gather to hear the music play. The grass of the field waves to the beat, and the trees bow to their Maker. Birds and fish, cattle and insects - all hear the song as the gentle breeze blows. It is the whisper of the Lord.

The stringed instruments begin to raise the tension of the song as new beings are introduced. They are the most precious creations, made in the likeness of God Himself. A flute solo sings a sweet tune. It is the love and bond between Creator and creation.

A page is turned, and the symphony quiets. All seems well. But darkness rises behind the scene, ready to strike at the precisely-timed moment. The cymbals clash, the drums roar and the earth shakes to its core. Something is wrong. There is chaos across the stage. Notes fly in every direction, hurled with force through the woodwinds and harps.

And then...it is still. A sad oboe tells of the separation - the nightfall without a hope of sunrise. Slowly, chords rise again, the instruments bringing back order to the notes. It is a steady tune, but bland and empty. Something is missing. Restoration is incomplete.

Oh, but then the sounds, the beautiful sounds! A joyous French horn rings out clear. It is the announcement of the One who can bring harmony - the One sent by his Father to produce order once again.

The instruments rejoice. They blend together in sweet and festive song, the voices from Heaven joining the melody of ultimate love.

But the darkness lurks again. The minor notes hide behind the volume, infiltrating the scene. When least expected, they spring forth through the screeching violins. A chilled wind blows across the stage. The drums beat an angry tempo, driving fear and pain into the souls of the audience. The only remnant of the Son so loved is the shadow of an empty cross.

Grief-stricken, the melody suffers, forced and pulled into the open against the will of the strings. Tears mingle with the foreboding sounds. Hope seems out of reach and the world is dark once again.

But for those who wait, the gong strikes three. The darkness shrieks with a clamor of sour notes, chased offstage by the horns and bells. He has risen! He is alive! No shadow can remain. Prophecy fulfilled, the instruments play on. It is time. Time to live with a new law in place. Time to look to the golden horizon for soon...soon will be the glorious end.

The clock ticks relentlessly as the stage grows tired. The notes march on, weariness hanging on each measure - each turn of the page. The bells grow dim, the piano flat and hollow. But they must play...they must be heard...they must resist the unleashed darkness that swallows the weak, one by one.

And then...a glimmer, far in the distance. A hush falls over the orchestra as anticipation rises. Is it time? Yes! There He is! The trumpets break forth with vigor set free. All of the brass and strings breathe new life as the crescendo builds and builds until the heavens and earth shake. Singing blends with the instruments and tears of joy rain down.

From the void of darkness to the eternal light, the final measures play. Yet when the end of the song is reached, the Conductor turns one more page. Another composition beyond all imagination awaits.

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Member Comments
Member	Date
Seema Bagai	04/23/09
Wow! I read through this twice to savor every line. Beautiful writing. Excellent work.
Lori Othouse	04/24/09
I love the analogy of the orchestra. And the last paragraph, wow, it gives me chills! Excellent!
Jan Ackerson	04/28/09
I'm a music-lover, so I found this gorgeous!
Sharon Kane	04/28/09
A beautiful weaving of the story of redemption with the musical imagery. I love the analogy and I think your choice of specific instruments at various points in the story is very apt. If I'm allowed to red ink it... I thought the last third got a bit heavy. In the first part you changed the focus at times (talking of grass waving etc,) while towards the end you focused almost entirely on the music. The actions played out on the world stage were only mentioned second. Also you started a lot of sentences with 'but' which became a bit same-ish. So stylistically I felt it floundered a bit. Having said all that, this is the kind of expression of God's handiwork that I often feel deep within, but invariably fail to put into words! So sincerely, hats off to you!
Carol Slider	04/29/09
I definitely enjoyed the orchestra analogy! As I read it, I was reminded of several works that depict a monumental struggle (Mahler's Symphony No. 2, for example). Well done!
Joy Stewart	04/29/09
This is so beautiful. I read it several times. Wonderful!
Beckie Stewart	04/29/09
This was so beautiful. I could hear it and see it in my mind's eye!
Lisa Mikitarian	04/29/09
I felt as if I were in a concert hall listening to this masterpiece. Beautifully done.
Johnna Stein	04/30/09
Beautiful from the first note (oops) I mean first word to the last. Congrats!
Rhonda Schrock	04/30/09
Very well done - articulate and beautiful. Excellent descriptions from the front row of the concert hall.
Lollie Hofer	04/30/09
I like the flow of this story. It is so powerful and the descriptions were exceptionally strong. It had just the right touch of sentiment without overdoing it. Congratulations on a well-deserved win. (I learned a lot from this piece as well.)
Betty Castleberry	04/30/09
Congratulations on your win for this poetic, beautifully written piece.
Gerald Shuler	05/01/09
Oh, my!!! This is writing at a level I could only dream of accomplishing! Congratulations on your MUCH deserved first place EC.
Connie Dixon	05/01/09
This is amazing. Emotional, creative, inspirational. Loved this a lot. Congratulations.
Mona Purvis	05/02/09
Rachel, this is in a league all its own. Superb! Totally envelops the reader. Mona
Jim McWhinnie	05/03/09
Wow and more wow! I have already tucked this masterpiece in my treasure chest.
Glynis Becker	05/10/09
Beautifully crafted piece and a much deserved first place. Congratulations!
Margaret Kearley	07/01/09
May I add huge congratulations to many more on your well deserved Best of the Best win. I had not read it before today. It is really beautiful and thrills the heart with wonder at what God has (and is) accomplishing. Thankyou so much.
Dianne Janak	07/01/09
This was a masterpiece on so many levels. Thank you so much for this gift to all of us, and now I hope you celebrate the wonderful news of your win. SO well deserved!
Joanne Sher	07/01/09
Oh Rachel. This is incredibly stunning and SO deserving of Best of the Best. Now pick yourself up off the floor. Okay??? ;)
Lisa Mikitarian	07/01/09
Congratulations to the BEST of the BEST!!!--with such a fantastic story.
Lynda Schab	07/01/09
CONGRATULATIONS, RACHEL, on your BOB win! This piece is definitely deserving of it! I'll be in touch with some interview questions for you. Wear that crown proudly! :-)
Paulette Rogers	07/01/09
"The Composition" is a breathtaking and glorious piece of work. My sincere congratulations to Rachel. Your composition is absolue beautiful. I could read it over and over and over again! Very creative and artistic! Sincerely, Paulette Rogers
Pat Guy	07/01/09
Congratulations BOB! ; ) Awesome...just so absolutely awesome. You did it girl. Enjoy the clouds! Love, Pat
Jesus Puppy	07/01/09
Way to go Rachel. This piece does in fact stand out, good job, and congrats on winning the crown... BOB. ;-)
Verna Cole Mitchell	07/01/09
Congratulations, Rachel, BOB. This winning piece grows more beautiful and more inspiring with each succeeding read.
Chris Surber	07/01/09
Very well written. Congratulations!
Loren Thomas	07/01/09
Congratulations, Rachael. A perfect composition melding both music and words into a memorable story.
Diana Dart	07/01/09
I am shivering... beautiful. Sharp. Soulful. I can't think of the words, cause it just plain rocks (although that seems out of place with the musical style ;) ). Love it. Big, big congrats Rachel on the BoB win.
Loren Thomas	07/01/09
Had to come back and add that this piece reminds me of "Peter and the Wolfe" a story told with musical instruments. Going to the concert to hear it was a Christmas holiday tradition when I was growing up. Something I always looked forward to and learned musical instruments could have voices as well. Thanks for the memory! : )
Sheila Deeth	07/01/09
Congratulations!
Charla Diehl	07/01/09
Congratulations on this superb entry--not surprised that it earned the BOB award. Wear your crown with a big smile.
lynn potter	07/01/09
speachless! Blessing and honor to the One who has given you the prophetic voice to trumpet a story with such passion and glamour. A truely remarkable piece that should be in print for all who have eyes to see and ears to hear. Glory to God the Father for bringing to us this magnificant writing. God bless you and increase your gift to His body. Congratulations!
Dorothy Stroup	07/01/09
WOW! I can hear and visualize the scene you have set, salvation's past, present, and future. You captured salvation's story in a short essay. Quite a feat! Your short sentences carried a punch. Your choice of strong visual words make it easy to see the whole scene in the reader's mind. Well done...
Allen Stark	07/01/09
Rachael, I had just finished reading your poem, "Breath of God" given to me at our last Southwest Iowa Writers Guild meeting when the FaithWriters email came up. Congratulations onwinning the BOB contest.I'm not surprised your piece won, having read your novel and the poem. The beauty in your eyes and in your writing is beholding God the way you do.
Beth LaBuff	07/02/09
Rachel, I could hear your symphony as the story was being played. Your writing is beautiful. I, too, love your last line. Super congratulations on winning Best of the Best! Awesome!
Verna Mull	07/02/09
Congratulations! What an inspiring work, and how great that it has been chosen as the best of the best! God bless you, and keep writing!
kurt hardy	07/02/09
Dear Rachel, What an awsome piece of work. I only pray that some day I might be able to write what you throw away. I don't know yet how to critque writing, but I know when something is GREAT. Thank you for sharing your God given gift. Kurt
Dan Johnson	07/03/09
This is an amazing piece of literature, certainly creating an experience beyond words. I work in music...and found this to be very powerful! Congrats! -Dan Johnson
Amy Michelle Wiley	07/03/09
Oooo, I like this. Very cool. Would love to hear this concert, but you brought it alive to us in your writing.
Henrietta W. Romman	07/05/09
Oh dear Rachelle...A million congratulations for this great BOB award! You made my heart to rejoice.....This awesom "musical" masterpiece has honored both Our Lord---and all of us at Faithwriters. God bless you forever...Amen
Laura Godson	07/08/09
Hi Rachael, I was totally captivated by this piece of writing, wonderfully writen.
Patricia Herchenroether	07/21/09
Congratulations, Rachel. Sorry I'm late with this. I'm breathless. I'm speechless. Oh, my!
Linda Buskirk	07/22/09
The use of an orchestra and its music to highlight God's creation and the victory of salvation is wonderful, and masterfully executed. Thank you for writing a piece that makes both the head and heart worship the majesty, wonder and grace of God!
Rita Garcia	08/13/09
Congratulations Rachel! A Magnificent Story! I love the musical journey filled with notes of blessings with every rise and fall of the instruments. Wishing you continued success with your writing, I loved reading your first three novels--what a treat!
Janice Fitzpatrick	08/19/09
Simply amazing! How beautiful and how deserving of the BOB hon. God bless you and keep being used by the Lord. Congratulations! Praise the Lord.:0)
Pamela Calhoun	09/02/09
Wow! I'm new to writing... you set the bar very very high! Thank you for that. What a gift you have, thanks for sharing it. Wow!
Roxanne Howard	09/08/09
I'm in tears. GOD bless you and keep writing.
Dawn Ost-Ratliff	10/10/09
I see this writing as a powerful tool to reach others with a deep passion for music. It produces the imagery and a story that is familiar and puts it into the context of the story of our savior. Passion runs deep in those with a love for music, though they often cannot grasp the passion for our Lord. This gives them an understanding of the passion for Jesus. In all, awesome and inspiring!
Oge Maduka	10/18/09
Beautiful Analogy!Great piece Rachel!
Dimple Suit	10/20/09
Bringing tears to my eyes as I could hear every note in the words you wrote. It is a beautiful symphony filled with hope and love. Thank you so much.
Sonia Gray	10/21/09
How exciting and real, Rachel.You made me hear,feel and see the Word come alive. Truly breathtaking to say the least. Well deserving the BoB! Thank you and God bless you abundantly for honoring Him with your gift. Sonia Gray
Carol Penhorwood	10/26/09
Absolutely glorious! I'm brand new to faithwriters! What an introduction!!!!
valerie chambers	11/01/09
Wow what else can be said--you said it all