Come to the Opera: An Allegory
It's funny that you ask "What's new with you?" because there IS something really new with me, and I've been dying to tell you about it. I almost called you last night when I got home, but I knew I was going to see you today. But I still almost called you.
This is the thing - I went the opera last night. It was amazing. I mean, it was incredible. It really changed my life. I'm not kidding. You know, I had heard that going to the opera was cool, blah blah blah, this and that, but then I finally went. I didn't even want to go, either. This guy from my office dragged me there. We saw this opera, "Pique Dame." It doesn't matter which opera you see - you just have to go. I mean, I thought of you right away. You would really get a lot out of the opera. You, in particular. Why you? Just because you - you're open to things. You seem like you're seeking something. That was me - until last night. I've found it, so I wanted to tell you about it. You, especially. You seem like you'd appreciate the opera - not like most people I know.
You go there, and you listen to these people sing, and it's a life-changing thing. The tenor, this Italian guy or maybe he was French, anyway he hit this high C, and it was magical. And my whole life turned around. The lights went up at the end of the act, and I looked around, and the room looked different. I FELT different. Has that ever happened to you? I didn't think so. It's the coolest experience. Listen, I want you to check it out. There's another performance tomorrow night. You wanna go with me? You should do it. I'm bringing this other lady from my work. I thought she'd get a lot out of it, too.
A lot of people wouldn't get it. It would be wasted on them. They're not ready. That's their choice. People have to decide what kind of life they want to live. You know, opera isn't for everyone - that's why they have "American's Next Top Model."
That's fine. I don't judge. If people want to be lightweights, that's their choice.
The funny thing is that I always knew the opera was there, but I didn't think it was for me. Now I feel like I want to tell the whole world about it - you in particular. Like I said, some people wouldn't appreciate the opera, you know what I mean? I can't help that. If they want to live that way, that's fine. They can turn a corner at any moment. They can take responsibility. They don't have to. I used to be like that. When it's time to face up to things, you will. I think you're ready, though. I can tell as I'm talking to you. Also - you know your friend Angela, you introduced me to that time outside the train station? You should bring her too. Angela would love the opera.
Expensive? Not for what you get. I'm telling you, you won't regret it. The people alone - opera people are incredible. No, not the singers, I mean they're incredible too, but the people, the patrons. Amazing people. And the opera hall! It's incredible, a landmark.
Okay, I'm sorry to hear you say that, I'm not trying to push you. It's just that I'm so excited myself, I really want to help my friends get over the hump and go to the opera, too. Well - I consider us friends, we go the same gym. You know, I can understand your hesitation. I probably sound a little zealous. But here's the thing. This is the time for you to go to the opera. Right now. Tomorrow night. I wouldn't have shown up here in this coffee shop and you wouldn't have shown up here if it wasn't the right time. If you don't do it now, when will you? We always have excuses to not try things. I have the tickets right here in my hand. You, me and Angela - tomorrow night, it's a date? Also, I was thinking, what is your brother Paul doing, is he doing anything this weekend? He could come with---Oh. Really - the Hare Krishnas? Haven't seen many of them around lately. It's too bad - you hate to see a family member get caught up in a cult. Well, I'll check back with you. He may snap out of it - then he could come to the opera with us. He seems like the kind of guy who'd really get into it.
You know what, ever since I got into the opera, I've been thinking, I never knew life could be lived this way. When was that? Well - last night. But I almost stayed up all night, thinking about it. You know how you go along, nothing changes, and then, all of a sudden, you get a jolt? That's what it was like. I want you to get the jolt, too. You and Angela, and your brother when he gets tired of the Hare Krishna thing. Listen, don't get up and leave - I'm only excited, don't be mad at me. Just keep tomorrow night open. Promise me you'll think about it - think about what's missing in your --- okay, okay, I'm sorry. You think about it. I'll call you in an hour to check in.
And call Angela!
