The chalice is the container—
the space where the musicians and the listeners gather.

The oil is the fuel—
the hours of practice and the life experiences of everyone in the room.

The wick is the instruments and vocal cords
through which the music will flow.

And the flame—the flame!—
is the music which is created, as if by magic,
when the instruments are lifted,
the breath is inhaled,
and the downbeat is nodded.

May this flame ignite the music within us all!