MUSIC

[Kreemly Frias Rojas]

By Allen Inman

"I AM music, most ancient of the arts.
I am more than ancient:
I am eternal.
Even before life commenced upon this earth,
I was here - in the winds and the waves.
When the first trees and flowers and grasses appeared,
I was among them.

And when humanity came,
I at once became the most delicate, most subtle,
and most powerful medium for the expression of their emotions.
When they were little better than beasts,
I influenced them for their good.

In all ages I have inspired humanity with hope,
kindled their love,
given a voice to their joys,
cheered them on to valorous deeds,
and soothed them in times of despair.

I have played a great part in the drama of Life,
whose end and purpose
is the complete perfection of humanity's nature.
Through my influence
human nature has been uplifted,
sweetened and refined.

A long line of the brightest minds
have devoted themselves to the perfection of instruments
through which they may utilize my powers
and enjoy my charms.

I have myriads of voices and instruments.
I am in the hearts of all peoples and on their tongues,
in all lands and among all cultures:
the ignorant and unlettered know me,
not less than the rich and learned.

For I speak to all peoples,
in a language that all understand.
Even the deaf hear me,
if they but listen to the voices of their own souls.

I am the food of love.
I have taught humanity gentleness and peace:
and I have led them onward to heroic deeds.
I comfort the lonely,
and I harmonize the discord of crowds.
I am a necessary luxury to all.
I AM music."