Where the Music Lies
By John Herlihy

Oh, where does the soft music lie,
If not where the soft heart may sigh.
Listen to the voice of the tree bough,
The wind plays music as sacred vow.

Oh, where does celestial music lie,
But high in the heavens of blue sky.
We listen to the music of the spheres,
As it enters the passageway of our ears.

Where does thunderous music sound,
But in storm clouds running aground.
The dark clouds slowly gather overhead,
Then enter the mind as thunder instead.

Where are the beloved songs of spring,
A season of music with voices that sing.
The rippling brook and the buzzing bee,
Each has a voice that helps me to see.

Summer’s allegro vivace virtually sings,
Whether molto or presto its life brings.
Brings to fruition in flowers and trees,
All the harmonies of the birds and bees.

Autumn’s andante fills us with remorse,
With those blazing leaves dying of course.
As leaves fall, the heart fills with regret,
Sounds of music that help us to forget.

And forget not the tones of winter’s dirge,
Solemn tones indeed that fulfill an urge.
To lament, to cry out, to empty the heart,
Then feel renewed once winter did depart.

Where oh where does earth’s music lie,
The soul in seeking does hear its cry.
A symphony of sound all life to thrill,
I hear earth’s echoes within me still.