The Drawing Of A Rainbow Peter Taped To His Mic Stand Every Show After 9/11

April 1, 2025

Peter stood backstage, his heart pounding like a drum. He could hear the crowd’s chatter as they anticipated the show. It was a sunny day in October 2001, just weeks after the tragedy of September 11th. The world felt heavy, and the air was thick with uncertainty. As a young musician, Peter had spent years dreaming of this moment, but now, standing there in the dim light, he felt a wave of doubt wash over him. What could he possibly say to uplift people in a world so shaken?

It was then that he remembered the drawing his niece had made just for him. She was only six years old and had colored a vibrant rainbow, complete with clouds and a sun shining brightly in the corner. When she handed it to him, she said, “Uncle Pete, this will make people happy!” With a smile, he took the drawing and taped it to his mic stand. He thought of his niece’s innocent belief that love and happiness could conquer all darkness. That rainbow became a symbol of hope for him as he stepped onto the stage.

As he began to play his first song, Peter noticed the crowd watching him with eyes full of need—need for comfort, for connection, and for healing. He took a deep breath and saw the rainbow taped to the stand. The bright colors seemed to shine even in the somber atmosphere. He poured his heart into his performance, singing not just with his voice but with his entire being. Each note was a tribute to those lost, and each lyric was a reminder of resilience. The audience responded, their faces lit with emotion, a shared understanding of the shaky ground they all stood on.

After that night, Peter made it a tradition. Every show he played, he would tape that rainbow to his mic stand. It transcended its role as mere decoration; it became a beacon of hope for those who gathered to listen. He wrote songs inspired by the events of 9/11, using his music as a way to process grief and inspire unity. The rainbow inspired him to connect with his audience even more profoundly; he shared stories, encouraged kindness, and fostered community. People began to share their experiences with him, and those heartfelt moments transformed his shows into safe spaces for healing.

As the years rolled on, Peter’s music became a vessel for positivity in a world that sometimes felt overwhelmingly negative. His career thrived, and he traveled to places he had only dreamed of, all while clutching that simple drawing close to his heart. The rainbow taped to his mic stand was a reminder of his niece’s belief in love and healing, and it motivated him to be a force of good in people’s lives. He realized that although the world would face challenges, together, with music and compassion, they could create their own rainbows.

Even today, Peter still keeps that drawing dearly. It serves not only as a reminder of his journey but also as a promise to always use his voice for light and hope. Whenever he looks at it, he’s reminded of the power of connection through music and the beauty in resilience. It’s not just a piece of paper; it’s a symbol that even in the darkest times, joy and love can prevail, just like a rainbow after the rain.