This poem was recently introduced to me by a friend I met through our mutual love of music. I have never before read anything that fully encompasses how much music really means in my life and in the lives of so many of the people I am fortunate to call my friends, so I thought I’d share it with everyone.

I am Music

I am Music, most ancient of the arts. I am more than ancient; I am eternal. Even before life began 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 emotions.

In all ages i have inspired people 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 human nature. Through my influence, humanity has been uplifted, sweetened and refined. With the aid of humanity, i have become a Fine Art. I have a myriad of voices and instruments.

I am in the hearts of all and on their tongues, in all lands among all peoples, the ignorant and unlettered know me, not less than the rich and the learned. For i speak to All, in a language that all can feel. 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 people gentleness and peace; and i have led them onward to heroic deeds. I am comfort for the lonely, and i harmonize the discord of crowds. I am a necessary luxury to all. I am MUSIC.

ANONYMOUS