Resonance in the Dark

I reached toward the dark lacquer of the upright piano where an old steel tuning fork rested in the gloom. For several minutes, I remained completely motionless, watching its pale tines capture the ambient half-light. With deliberate care, I lifted the cold metal stem between my gloves. I struck the fork lightly against the heel of my palm and pressed its weighted base flat against the piano casing. A deep, pure tone resonated through the aged timber, sending a measured vibration through my hands. I held it there without moving, listening until the hum thinned, quieted, and melted back into absolute silence.