The sound of the baton raps the top of the podium.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

It's authority quiets the murmuring crowd.

The conductor raises his baton high above him.

The musician's inhale in unison.
Mouths and fingers at the ready.

A woman in the front row moves to the edge of her seat.
She is flushed.

In the even moment,
All are still.

E Watson, Poet