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
162 Comment(s)
I would like a print of the poem but have not been able to secure from this screen. It says "Would you like a print?" but how.
Yes I love the poem. I will like to know if you have a a frame based on Psalm 1, in which there's a man reading an ancient scroll next to a river, under a tree and with the leaves of the three is formed the face of Jesus Christ observing him? And also what other frames you carry in your company and their prizes? Thank you and God bless you.
Blessed with this poem, beyond and besides this, I need the touch of Jesus Christ
I have been looking for a painting that I can buy of "A Touch of The Master's Hand. Is there any way that you can help me? I truly love what the message on the is all about. The message is awesome!
My father died in April of 1975 and this was read at his funeral. I read it then and I read it still, I have the Master in my life, The Old Violin is a masterpiece, and I Love it and always will.
Great of the greatest.
I'm not easily moved and there isn't much that can but this poem does as very little else can. I first read it oddly enough at an actual auction house and it haunts me often, but only in a good way...the best of ways. It gives me no small comfort to think that His Grace could could redeem even a fallen thing such as myself.
God Bless you and yours for posting this.
This came on my music app at a really down time in my life, and hearing it reminded me of a worse time. What a blessing to a sad heart, a reminder of what the Masters touch means.
I was very poor as a child and was taunted a lot and it hurt. I grew up and went to college and became an important micrbiologist.But that poem goes right to my heart. Thank you to the people that believed in me.
I was asked to memorize this poem when I was a child to recite at a church program. Ever since (I'm 69 now) I have revisited it, recited it, used it in preaching and other presentations, and plan to use it in my sermon this Sunday (2/4/18). It never fails to move, inspire, and persuade.
Very beautiful. I wish to use it in my Sunday Sermon this week.
As a poet ... this one inspired me ..as well as “Don’t Quit”and “If Jesus Came to Your House”... they inspired me sooooo many years ago...
My pastor used to say this often at the end of an evening church service. It brings back many memories of him and the church I use to attend. Have never heard it since moving to another state and church. I would love a print. Thank you
Love this!
That is such a precious and meaningful. This is one of those poems where you could read it over and over again and never tire of it. Thank you for writing it and sharing it with us all!
Epilogue - the bow cannot be re-haired. So, getting another to go with the violin but keeping the original.
We found an old violin in my Dad's closet. I don't know if I knew about it and forgot or what. The last 5 years have been extremely hard with him. He had dementia. We lost Mom in 2012. My brother and I promised we would take care of him. He gave us a real run for our money. Dad passed in May at 85. I kept the violin. No strings on bow or violin. Someone (Dad perhaps) made a bridge out of a piece of wood. I am sure that didn't work! One time I asked Dad where it came from and he said it was his. I think he said he bought at a pawn shop. I believe he got it as a young man. I am sure he couldn't play it. My father was known for his big hands.
My husband went to Florida and took the violin to the music store where one of our daughters works. I asked them to at least make it displayable. They restrung the bow and put a bridge on it. One of the clerks actually played it! She said it sounded good for its shape and condition.
And here is the kicker. Something was inside the violin because it rattled. They finally got it out. Wanna know what it was? Two old firecrackers!!! Go figure. There's a story there too but it will never be known.
I bought a stand for the violin and am going to frame a copy of this poem to display next to it and one of the firecrackers. We gave one to the music store for their collection of things found in musical instruments.
Never had I understand the value of poem
until I found this....this are among the poem worth reading it....
I live this poem so much..it always brings tears to my eyes. I'm going to be going to an Alzheimer unit to give a 6 minute presentation. I chose this because most likely many of them have heard it, and then I'm going to play an inspirational tune on my violin for them.
This brought tears to my eyes! I want to read this for our church service.
i know of one soul who,s life story fits this poem to a T.........THANK YOU.....
I recited this at a Sunday School program when I was 11 yrs old and can almost remember most of it now at 94 yrs. But there were a few parts forgotten and I am so glad to see this in print to refresh my memory! Thank you so much and I am so thankful that THE MASTER came and changed me.
Need hard copy of poem!
This poem has a special meaning to me because of the role violins have played in our family. My grandfather Hanna played the violin as well as many other instruments. My mother, Marty Hanna Irving, played violin from 11 years old to 87 in 5 orchestras. When my mother passed I presented her violin to her great grandson, Jarrod McWilliams, when he was 13. He now, at 17, plays his great grandma's violin in 3 orchestras.
This is really inspiring and Yes am worth it.
I had this poem as a small child .. in a church bulletin .. when I went to church with my Grandmother.. I am now 73 and my daughter reminded me of this poem .. Thank You for making it easy to share.. with my family! I have long ago lost the original that was tattered and hard to read.. Peace and Love
T. U
I found an old fiddle and decided to keep it for what ever reason . Now that I have come the knowledge
of the story behind the Masters Touch I would like to refinish my fiddle accordingly. Please send me a copy.
Yes I would like a copy. Heard poem at a funera and it left a lasting impression on me.l
My sister and I read this poem at our father's graduation from rehab.
This poem describes my life. I love it
I read this at my AA birthday night and have for 29 years. I can't get through it without crying because it is my story. I was out of tune,battered and scarred with sin until the master came and my life has not been the same since.
One more day at a time by the grace of God.
I want to sell my violine it's beck to1721 and blongs to Stradivarius
The poem is called the touch of a Master's hand
Thanks
God Bless
Please, what is the name of the poem?
I had a copy of this poem several years ago but I don't know what I did with it. It's so powerful and I feel very blessed by the words. Actually, I am feeling a lot like this old violin right now left in the corner, undervalued by others and unappreciated.
Catherine
Concerto Poetic Justice
I actually have this memorized so when I give a speech at A.A. meetings, it gives people hope
I Love this, beautiful
I remember my Daddy quoting this poem as he preached. He used it quite often to get his point across. Tears burn my eyes as I read it and hear his voice from yester-year, Thank you for sharing. Do you know the author?
Ive written almost 50 biblical poems 33+4 songs published in Saints & Sinners available on Lulu.com for $11,less in quantity,& have free beds+food no parking but if any would
like to visit the Gold Coast fly to Brisbane a bus is cheap get a taxi to 27 B Muir St Labrador walk under a carport roof & knock on the sliding glass door,Peter
I have loved this poem since I was a child. It's so nice to find it again after 65 years!
I have always loved this poem but could not find my copy. I am very glad you have it here for all the world to enjoy. Thank you.
I absolutely LOVE this poem! It has changed my life. I was googling this poem for extra credit in Band Class. It seriously helped me through a troubled time. Ms. Loretta- I feel for your loss, and God is with you
My husband recently died. He memorized this poem & frequently recited it in his sermons. It is so dear to me.
what a wonderful poem illustrating Gods power, with just one touch from God you'll never be the same.
At Vic park primary school grade 7 there was a comptaicion to memerise a poem I try very hard but didn't enter but still love it and think how much we are worth if I'm feel low down thanks to mrs bowman and thanks for your time love to do a welcome at church one day hava nice one
I used this 63 years ago in a sermon.
www.nealcarlson.com Blessings 😀ðŸ™
Beautiful message and so true. God bless you and thanks for sharing.
i want to buy a copy of The Touch Of The Masters Hand
was just randomly searching about violins and dropped on this.....and i must say, i really needed this. thank u so much for sharing
Thank you so very much for sharing this!! This comes at such an amazing time in my life. He loved me even though He found me broken and turned my brokenness into beauty so that I can best serve Him.
Worthless sinner was I, rotten soul I had,
Condemned for eternity,But He touched me
And made me blessable.
Thank you Master Lord Jesus
Thank you Peter by I like the version that I read and posted first.
The version which you have here, of, "The Old Violin" contains a number of errors. This version (which I remember from years back) scans better, I think.
" "'Twas battered and scarred,
And the auctioneer thought it
scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
but he held it up with a smile.
"What am I bid, good folks", cried he,
"Who'll start the bidding for me?"
"A dollar, one dollar, Then two ... only two?"
"Two dollars, and who'll make it three?"
"Going for three' ..."
But, No,
From the room far back a grey-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
And wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody, pure and sweet
As sweet as a carolling angel sings.
The music ceased and the auctioneer
In a voice that was quiet and low,
Said "Now what am I bid for the old violin?"
As he held it up with the bow.
"A thousand dollars, then two, only two .. Two thousand!
"And who'll make it three?"
"Three thousand once, three thousand twice, and
Going and GONE", cried he.
The people cheered,
But some of them said,
"We do not understand."
"What changed its worth?"
Quick came the reply.
"The Touch of the Masters Hand."
"And many a man with life out of tune, battered and scarred by sin,
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."
I found this poem so touching. It was especially poignant at this time because my mother's husband passed away very recently. He was an auctioneer. I thought of him dismissing an item of little worth, but making the effort to auction it to without hope to the crowd. I smile as I compare. Although the poem has various meanings, it brought tears to my eyes that one suchlike was here but is no longer. And at the end is the story of The master; having faith and believing that life begins and ends as it does in Christ.
I was excited to see this poem again! I said this poem by memory when I was much younger, in an elocutionary contest at church where I grew up in Panama . I was excited to see it again!! I also played the violin back then in high school. ..It brings back great memories. Nothing like The touch of God on your life! Praise God,!
My brother was a minister for 50 years. He passed on in 06.I heard him read this at church one Sunday night.it tied in with his sermon. Everybody was crying. I'm so glad I found it.
I love this poem, so beautiful. Sent a beautiful picture of poem and violin to my sister one year. May those that read, understand...the Master is our heavenly Father that sent his son Jesus, to die that we may have everlasting life. Be blessed.
mum had a hard life yet died almost 101 & may have been home but fell cracked her pelvis & developed a urinary infection,dad was sickly from birth busy 7 days yet died 93 ,no vitamins but a top diet regular carrot/beet juice various greens,I wonder comment on the 3 things left in http://panorama-antiaging.blogspot.com.au/
My mother used to recite this to me and many other poems and stories she had hidden in her heart that she learned from her dad. Three generations of my family have drawn strength and encouragement for decades from The Old Violin - The Touch of the Hand on our homeward journey through life. I've found through the years though that I have to experience the touch of the master's hand all anew often to keep me on the straight and narrow path.
My Dad played a violin and I have his that was given to him by his father in 1907.
Oh how i love this piece.....i heard it when i was a little girl during fellowship in primary school. I was around 10 years old( over a decade ago). The preacher had put it as a story and ever since i have always cherished the meaning behind it.
This is one of my favourite poems which is was reminded about recently when looking at an expensive old violin in Rome
have preached from this poem a number of times
This poem has actually saved me on many occasions it is so beautiful and inspiring the
you are right Pam beautiful poem
This is treasure
This came to mind as I was preparing to preach today. I have used it several times in 53 years as a minister/pastor
Love it. Beautiful, meaningful poetry
Was over whelmed as i read this. It was so touching ..this could be true in someones life.
This poem suddenly came to my mind and I wasable to recall it almost word for word ! That's after about 63 yrs hope I lived up to the theme
The first time I read this story was at a yard sale...it was in a picture frame...I picked it up & as I read it...tears just rolled down my cheeks...I knew right then I had to have it...God's touch is the greatest touch we can ever feel & to share it with others is a blessing & an honor!
Beautiful... We have all been "touched by the Master's Hand"!
One of the oldest of my favorites. My mother used to read it to me when I was just a boy! She's been in heaven many years now... but I almost feel she's here with me as I read this blessed piece!!! Larry A
Only the one who has been touched by the Masters Hand can know sweet it is.
The only time I heard this poem was at a AA meeting in San Antonio, Texas. It has been 50 years, but I've never forgotten. My spouse was a member of AA but passed away 5 years ago today. Thank God I found this today!!!
This is a great poem and it says it just like it is in a very touching and wholesome way. Thanks and God bless you.
At 12 we committed our lives to the Master Musician and He has brought beautiful music out of our lives. Now, at 90, we arre so thankful Jesus has led us all the way. Around us we find youth whose lives are out of tune, messed up with addictions, with no melody, bettered and scared with sin, who find new Abundant Life in living for Jesus, the Master Toucher.
I love this poem/song. It is beautiful.
wow!
Every time I read this poem, I am deeply moved. I praise God for the touch of the Master's Hand in my life!
Thank you for this beautiful download.
These words are incorrect. The correct words are beautiful and more powerful.
jesus is the violin, and the man is the pottage.
is the man like the violin?
This is one of my favorite poems. I read it everyso often because I am reminded that Jesus never gives up on us or ceases to love us even when I am disappointed in myself. God's love and grace in Jesus is unconditional.
I do not understand, who is the master? what is pottage?
That is such a touching poem it brings tears to my eyes
God is so good how he picks us up & makes us worthy again.
Thank you so much for making this available.
God Bless you
The wisdom of King Solomon, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth...Fear God and keep his commandments,for this is the duty of all mankind." Eccl. 12
What a wonderful God is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This touched me deeply and brought tears to my eyes for I was certainly going once, going twice and saved by the Master's hand.
I was about eight when the children in my church were given simple poems to memorize to recite at the church service on Children's Day. My father was a lay minister and thought the poem I was given was too simple. This was one of his favorite
poems so I memorized it. I'm now 76 but I still remember it. This morning it came into my head so I looked on the internet to see if I could find a copy and there it was.
i love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heard this in church this evening and was absolutely enthralled with this poem! Thank you for the inspiration!
Its makes me cry to realize how incredible things happen when we entrust our messed up lives to The Lord, the Master Craftsman, Creator
Today I heard this song from one of the elders of the church and it touched my soul. So i google it for i didn't even know the title of the song.
Very inspiring. I have had this poem for many years and use it periodically as an illustration when in encouraging people
Let the essence of our beauty, capture every moment with God!
I can see my life reflected in this poem. May god continue to bless your ministry.
I have a poster with this poem on my bedroom wall. I have loved it since I was a child and an elderly man named Ebeneezer Bennett, who played the violin at my church, recited it on occasion. I am now a pastor, and I will be using this poem in a service this week.
Chinika,
What help do you need?
This is the ultimate degree of Grace. The question is not, "Am I saved by Grace?"; the question should be, "Through the Grace of Christ, have I changed?"
My young grandson, only age 7, will play his violin in concert tonight; his end of the year recital. I will give to him, as gift, this beautiful, touching poem. He is a bit young, but, I hope he will treasure it until the day it holds much meaning for him.
My great grandmother had copied this poem into an notebook that was given to me more than 50 years ago, I have remembered it and repeat it to myself quite often. The lady who wrote it has been used by the Lord to bring blessing to many people.
My 94 year-old sister who is in a nursing home recited this to me yesterday when we visited her. I thought it was so beautiful so I looked it up and made a copy of it and sent it to my daughter on facebook. A beautiful piece of work and SO true.
CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME.
Brilliant!
My mother used to recite this poem and others when she visited a care Home for the blind and other "meetings" now my
Granddaughter is entering a competition and this is what she is going to recite. I am going to use it next week when I do "thought for the day" at a group I help at.
Many year's ago when just saved I came across this little tract, I was so moved by it that I gave copies to others. I had felt my condition as worthless as the old violin. Thank GOD he heard the cry from my heart and brought me to salvation making me a New Creature in Christ It's many years now and His Love and Glory are as real to me now as then. I hope anyone reading the tract feeling worthless lonely or hopeless come to Know God values you so much he gave his Son for you He's ready to reach down his hand and lift you.
Over the years of maturing, this has become one of my favorite poems/stories. When one is down and not feeling any worth, a good Samaritan will show up to help. However, it depends on faith an prayer!
I love this poem! After reading it, I wanted to pick up uyp my violin and play as much as I could!
I luv it....
This has been my Dad's favorite for as long as I can remember. I hope to share it soon in honor of him at a local poetry group.
WOW !
This has long been a favorite of mine....it says so well our worth when we are in the Master's hand, a state our soul's long for.
this poem highlights how my life is out of tune...i,ve lived and wasted many years...i know who the Master is,i know He is Jesus the Son of God,,,but i am scared to let Him revamp this abused instrument,.please say a prayer for me reader,.we all need the touch of the Masters hand....
My dad also is from the WW II generation. He formulated my life more than any other person.. Especially missed him yesterday , Father's Day , he was my master in so many thinks about life .
My father was a sweet WWII veteran. Fought in Normandy and Battle of the Bulge. He self medicated with alcohol and known as the town drunk. He was ridiculed, laughed at, and ostracized by both family and the town. He loved poetry. When I was 10, we had a poetry reading at our school at night. As a little girl, I chose this poem because of him and stood on the stage to recite it. It was the only time he ever attended a school event. He was so proud of me, as I was of him. He was the old violin. I, as a child, was the Master's Hand.
who plays the old violin ? I would love to have more of the violin music.
I first heard this poem at a gospel festival in my home town, and it really made me think. You see, my closest friend is a violinist, a very talented one I might add. However, this poem didn't make me think of my friend's skills with a violin, but rather something else. When he went to college, he found a harpsichord. This instrument was kept in poor conditions, and was practically worthless, but my friend, though blind, repared it to the point that not only was it playable, but sounds wonderful. Making that comparrison really made me think. As said in this poem, how many times are we considered worthless, but then God comes along, and shows our worth or fixes us in much the same way. This poem is a true blessing.
Used this in the closing of a few Sermons I preached, and still moves me Today
I absolutely love this poem. What seems to be old battered and scarred still has hope. For when the Master comes all will be made well. Thank you for posting this.
Do you have a FB like?
Dear Grandma Jacobsen,
If you can send me a photo of Josh, I will try do something special for you.
Bless your thoughts, a proud Grandma!
Michael
We have a grandson Josh, who plays the violin beautiful. Ond day he left it in his car and it was stolen. So disppointed he just gave up playing because he could not afford another violin. Now a couple years later conemplating marriage, how fitting it would be for his wedding to get a print of this poem along with his picture holding his stolen violin, as an encouragement to not give up completely, and that God still has a plan to bless him .
My father of whom I have just come to know Called me on the phone and read this aloud to me.... There was a healing that took place with in both of us..... Glory Be To God!
This was a beloved poem which I memorized in my "expression" class in Dallas, TX in the 1940's--what a joy to read it again--thank you.
I have used this in many sermons..And just resight it somteimes bacause..It say what it says....
It's the master's touch that give's worth to every dejected soul
I turn poem into violin song
I have this poem framed on my wall, in the living room. It still makes me cry and thank the LORD every time I read it.
Thanks for making the poem the Old Violin available. I am putting in my facebook page. It it brought tears to my eyes. I hadn't heard it in years. Thanks and may God bless you.
I learned this one in 4th grade
EQUIPMENT
by Edgar A. Guest
Figure it out for yourself, my lad,
You've all that the greatest of men have had,
Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes
And a brain to use if you would be wise.
With this equipment they all began,
So start for the top and say, "I can."
Look them over, the wise and great
They take their food from a common plate,
And similar knives and forks they use,
With similar laces they tie their shoes.
The world considers them brave and smart,
But you've all they had when they made their start.
You can triumph and come to skill,
You can be great if you only will.
You're well equipped for what fight you choose,
You have legs and arms and a brain to use,
And the man who has risen great deeds to do
Began his life with no more than you.
You are the handicap you must face,
You are the one who must choose your place,
You must say where you want to go,
How much you will study the truth to know.
God has equipped you for life, but He
Lets you decide what you want to be.
Courage must come from the soul within,
The man must furnish the will to win.
So figure it out for yourself, my lad.
You were born with all that the great have had,
With your equipment they all began,
Get hold of yourself and say: "I can."
--
wmknapp55@gmail.com
this was read at my dads funeral 10 years ago, and every word i can recit even now , no amount of money coulda matched him as a son,brother,husband,father,uncle we miss ya he woulda been 84 yesterday
I memorized this poem many years ago.
I am nearly 64, and I spent a couple of years learning the violin when I was 13 or 14, but I gave it up. 50 years later I have taken it up again, but to make it sound like the Master may take me the rest of my life. It sounds so beautiful when played by a Master. Jesus make me like you want me to be.
Don't know if I've ever read a more relivant and touching poem.Thanks Myra! You have given us all a gift with your words :-)
My mom reminded me of this favorite poem of my dad who we lost in May. It reminds me of my dad, the lessons he taught us and I can picture him reciting it to us 45 yrs ago. He is gone 6 months and not a day goes by that the touch of his hand is not felt by those thousands that loved him.
Thanks for sharing Michael, I'm sure your children will enjoy it, and may it create happy memories for them also :)
My Dad recited this lovely poem to us many times as we were growing up, it was also his party piece when family and friends came to visit our home in Ireland. I always like reading the poem as it rekindles the fond memories of growing up. I very much value his touch of the core values of life that he gave us as a parent. He is 97 years old now and I am happily married with our own three kids, aged 11, 10 and 7. I intend to read it to them this evening for the first time.
will use if for a serman i am preaching today
Thank you for the gift of your poem the old violin. I too I am like the old violin. I am tattered and torn no value in the eyes of man but I have been touched with fire by the master's hands.
This makes my birthday complete I can't listen to this enough
Thanks
Beautiful!
I always am blessed - one of my Mom's favorite poems. She has been with her Master for almost 32 years. Thank you!!
Heard someone recite this poem the other day in an AA. meeting. What a beautiful poem. It touched my heart. I had to look it up so I could have a copy for myself.
It helps to know that we can still lean on the Saviour.
MY MUM EVELYN WRIGHT NEE CAPLICE USED TO RECITE THIS POEM AT A CONCERT HALL IN THE SCHOOL OF ARTS IN ROCKHAMPTON ABOUT 1933 SHE IS NOW 88. FATHER BROWN AN AUSTRALIAN PRIEST USED TO COME AND HELP HER TO PREPARE FOR THE CONCERT.
what a beautiful poem.
Wow I love this poem :) God is good.
One of my favorites!!
This poem inspired me so much!
Learnt this poem as a child at 8 years I am now 67. It still has magic for me. I guess I understand the relevance of it a lot more now than I did at 8.
What a wonderful poem.. Thank you..
I've played violin for almost 11 years and this poem touched me in a personal way. Thank You!
What a Beautiful allegory to the change that occurs when a man or woman believes, REPENTS and recieves the gift of God thru Jesus Christ which is forgiveness of sin and Eternal Life with Him in His Kingdom. All Praise, Glory and Honor and Power to Him,who loves us and gave Himself for us! Amen.
Thats one of my favorites! thank you so much!
It's overwhelming how God value us in anyway we are.Love God so much......
Wonderful!
I have heard that poem a lot of times but I always enjoy hearing it again, especially since I play the violin and it is my favourite instrument!
Load More Comments