Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneerThought it scarcely worth his while To waste much time on the old violin, But held it up with a smile.

"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried, "Who will start bidding for me?

A dollar, a dollar" --then, "Two!" "Only two? Two dollars, and who'll make it three? Three dollars, twice; "Going for three --" But no, From the room, far back, a gray-haired man Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then wiping the dust from the old violin,And tightening the loose strings. He played a melody pure and sweet As sweet as a caroling angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer With a voice that was quiet and low, Said what am I bidden for the old violin? And he held it up with the bow.

A thousand dollars, and who'll make it two? Two thousand! And who'll make it three? Three thousand, once; three thousand twice; And going, and gone!" said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried, "We do not quite understand What changed its worth?" Swift came the reply: "The touch of the master's hand.

And many a man with life out of tune, And battered and scattered with sin, Is auctioned off cheap to the thoughtless crowd, Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine; A game -- and he travels on. He's "going" once, and "going" twice, He's "going" and "almost gone."

But the Master comes and the foolish crowd Never quite understand The worth of a soul and the change that's wrought By the touch of the Master's hand.

I have dedicated this favorite poem page to my brother. Many musicians can play music well, but few are truely anointed. I love to listen to my brother play the piano, I always have. Truely anointed musician will not only stir your emotions, but your spirit as well. I Love you brother. You are priceless.

"And here are a few of my brothers favorites !!! Now he just needs to make his own home page to put them on" hint hint ;-)