The Old Violin
The Touch of the Masters Hand
'Twas battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
hardly worth his while
To waste his time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good people", he cried,
"Who starts the bidding for me?"
"One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?"
"Two dollars, who makes it three?"
"Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three,"
But, No,
From the room far back a gray bearded man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as the angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?"
As he held it aloft with its' bow.
"One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?"
"Two thousand, Who makes it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice,
Going and gone", said he.
The audience cheered,
But some of them cried,
"We just don't understand."
"What changed its' worth?"
Swift came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."
"And many a man with life out of tune
All battered and bruised with hardship
Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd
Much like that old violin
A mess of pottage, a glass of wine,
A game and he travels on.
He is going once, he is going twice,
He is going and almost gone.
But the Master comes,
And the foolish crowd never can quite understand,
The worth of a soul and the change that is wrought
By the Touch of the Masters' Hand.
- Myra Brooks Welch
314 Comment(s)
I heard this poem from Dave Breese who had memorized it and quoted with such beautiful expression. As I read it here, I can hear his strong, rich voice. I would LOVE a copy to share with friends.
Thanks so much
Beautiful classic! Meaningful and profound!
I heard this year’s ago from my dad,it blessed me then and blesses me still.
This is a wonderful poem that I have heard a few times over the years. I just ran across this site and was blessed to read the poem in its entirety again and ponder my relationship with The Master. How true this poem is. I would certainly like to request a copy of this poem. Thank you so very much.
I heard this story in church today, it was a great story of the salvation God can bring to man.
My late father, a pastor for many years, used to read this poem. For some reason, I started quoting the poem (totally from a memory of my Dad quoting it) and found that I almost remember the whole poem.
I was a young girl during the war, this was a monologue l had to learn, l wouldn’t talk or speak , the trauma of being evacuated and separated from all familiar things , mother father and siblings, this helped me to speak again, although many years passed before l was able to talk without a stutter, as a child in the 1930-1040s trauma was unknown. Recognised today. It was not until l was in my twenties that confidence began to return. I remember this always with other monologues and old songs. Regards
We are having a Ladies retreat this year with this theme. Focusing on the , many a man with their life out of tune ALL battered and bruised. Praying to touch someone's life with the message
THE OLD VIOLIN; The Touch of the Masters Hand...speaks of me!
I was the old violin before God rescuced me from myself. He taught me my value to Him had never decreased. No matter my condition, He had never put me away, not even when I put Him away!
This poem was read aloud as I completed addiction treatment on Aug 4, 2004. I fell in love with it that day, my graduation. Today, I am blessed to be in recovery from addiction & alcoholism. I know how beautiful God's creation, love and life are after my difficult struggles. And I am very grateful to be a 60 year "old violin" both battered and scarred.
I heard my uncle recite this poem many years ago it brings in our master and saviour the lord Jesus Christ love it
I first read this poem many years ago. I loved it and the message it sends. I’m a collector of old books and in many instances they require some TLC.
I have a bookbinder I take my distressed books to and he puts his master’s hand to them. Upon reading this poem I reprinted it, framed it and gave it to him. These many years later it still hangs in his shop.
I am a wailing and screaming violin waiting for my Master’s comforting touch…. Print please
A perfect metaphor for how someone can be transformed by the love ? of Our Heavenly Father.
My Mother used to recite this poem in Church years ago.
Could you send me a print of poem?? Thank you
I cried reading it.
My son Ben introduced this very special prom to me and I got the book for him. He was in and out of prison and mental health hospitals for many years. He died in 2020 whilst in a mental hospital. This poem keeps his memory alive. I would like a print of it to put on my wall.
My colleague shared this poem to our team - I had never heard of it as d the words really blessed me. I really would love a print of this poem.
I heard this poem 40+ years ago when I was called to ministry. Now retired from pastoring I continue to teach God’s Word. These days are filled with darkness and hopelessness. I would really appreciate a print of the poem. I want to share it with others!
This is a poem my Grandmother loved to recite. It has always been special to me.
In what book of poems would i be able to find this poem
I have loved this poem for more than 50 years.
God's love can touch and change the worst sinner.
Yes, how can I obtain a copy for my message on JESUS tomorrow?
when I was 12 I was taught this poem(I’m 84 this year)I was very moved by the message then and would love to include it in my funeral service.??
This poem makes me sad, yet hopeful because I am a recovering alcoholic, who now can feel the beauty within. I am forever grateful for my beautifully flawed friends who are on this marvelous journey with me in feeling the spirit of God. I pray my son who is afflicted with addiction, will a feel the touch of the Master’s hand.
I’d love to print this. I’ve just discovered that it’s been loved by the wider family for years. Now I’d like to share with immediate family and church friends.
My granddaughter got a violin for Christmas and I sent to this and I hope that she can be encouraged to play and realize the gift it is to be able to play the violin
I read this poem for the first time when I was 14. I became a music teacher and used it as a teaching tool for my high school students, and as a life lesson for my collage students. For me it has always been a source of consolation, (50 yrs. later).
My granddaughter got a violin for Christmas and I sent her this hopefully it will encourage her to pick it up and realize the gift that she has been given
He is picking up the broken pieces...I’m ordained...helping to build a thrift & gift stop....classroom to teach & share ...helping God’s children getting back on track with Life .....Sharing God’s Love to change their Lives....We need this Poem ...so excited to Mount at the Entrance....so people know their Lives are not thrown out are unusable...God has a place for them....Thank You for the Poem....we will share God’s Love & Hope !!!!!
How can I get a print of this poem ‘ The touch of The Master’s Hand’ with the violin picture please? I have seen many prints of this poem but this one with the violin as such strikes the heart of it’s depth I feel.
Many Thanks
Janet
This poem has touched my heart & will always be one of my favorites! Who could ever imagine such a beautiful message given in context to someone's soul!
I weep every time I hear this. I played the violin and understand what it takes to play well.
I would really appreciate a print of the poem. I first heard it nearly 60 years ago and love it to this day. I want to share it with others!
I would love a print of that peom.
Would love it for an elderly neighbor,she was telling me about it & she would love a copy ,thank you
This poem is just wonderful . As the Worshipful Master of my Lodge I would love a copy of this to read at our Christmas Carol service .
Many thanks WBro Andy Urry .....!!!!!!
This is a poem I remember that my sister as a young girl won a competition that she performed this poem in the early 50’s.
I Love this, this is so true, and even when it doesn’t seem that anyone loves or cares for you, God does! God gave his only son for you! That’s why I feel that it makes you, as a person, stronger! I would Love a copy, Thank you!
This was given to me by my complex trauma counselor and was wondering if I could have a copy.
I have loved the story of this poem from the first time I heard it, many years ago. It was beautiful then and always will be.
This poem never ceases to move me and illustrates so beautifully how God can take what the world might throw away and make something beautiful. Every life has purpose and value and in the Master's hand, incredibly beautiful!
My son's late paternal grandmother, Mother Cora, identified this as her favorite childhood poem in her journal. So precious to read it here.
The Wonder that’s you.
It’s just as plain as the nose on your face, you are who are and that’s no disgrace.
All the experiences you’ve ever been through,
Serve to create the wonder that’s you!
Your friendships, your wishes, the burdens you bear,
Your memories, your joys, the people who care,
Is all wrapped up in the wonder that’s YOU.
If you ponder this message, you’ll know that it’s true.
Your father, our God, has given you life,
And part of the package included was strife.
Our Savior, His Son, has given a gift,
His life he did give that we all might live.
This Earth ? was created with you in mind,
Happiness, ultimately, hoped you would find.
Don’t get discouraged if you’re feeling like toast,
God’s the one in the world who loves you the most.
And remember, remember, when feeling some pain,
It soon will be time, when our Lord Christ will reign!
By Mark D. Langford
Son of Jennie Lee
Divinely Shrined
By JennieLee
We were looking for this poem to put to memory it’s glowing rhyme. We love ?? it’s cadence, rythemn and tone. It brings to mind a simpler life, when days were more easily known. Thank you for the poem, and I’ll return one to you too.
There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it behooves none of us to talk about the rest of us.
I was often auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd....
Then God stepped in
Thank you
This made me cry. Feeling useless? Take hold of the Master's hand. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained; what is man, that you are mindful of him? Such tender everlasting love. Thank you Jesus.
I have loved this poem for many years and have often shared it.
Another great poem (part of a larger poem) is Longfellow's poem that includes a section that says "tell me not in mournful numbers life is but a dream... "
A priceless piece of poetry...
For the Spirit of God hath made us, and
The Breath of the Almighty has given us life.
Precious...
I would love a print of this beautiful poem. Please let me know how I can get it. Thank you.