-- Soul of Musical Instruments --

by John Herlihy

Born of a spark of divine intervention,

Drawn from the depths of imagination.

Musical instruments bear witness to soul,

Harmonies that we from the angels stole.

The melancholy wind of a distant horn,

Echoing mystery as the world was born.

Like a secret intended to be concealed,

Like a mystery waiting to be revealed.

The lilting notes of a grand piano,

Echoing as dew drops pianissimo.

Heard in the tapping of a man blind,

Inner seeing in this world unkind.

Lyrical message of a magical flute,

Hidden in the curve of woodwind mute.

As taste on the tongue of an aged wine,

A flow of waves felt down the spine.

Taut skin of ancient primordial drums,

Invading the mind as rhythm that hums.

Beating as a heart with insistent pulse,

Dancing through the jungle as a waltz.

Let us not forget to mention the violin,

Echoing sentiments eerie as twilight wind.

Brave the music drawn from taut strings,

Evoking emotion that in the heart sings.

The strumming cords of a shapely guitar,

Echoing thru a chamber as within a star.

Gentle cadence yet filled with moonglow,

As evocative and peaceful as falling snow.

The strings reverberate notes of the harp,

Plucked as teardrops inspired by the lark.

The patter of monsoon rains on a tin roof,

The harp’s elegant stature holds itself aloof.

The French horn with a feeling oh so lonely,

Beckoning homeward with its aura homey.

The horn’s call inviting us to take our leave,

Oh how our longing takes liberty to grieve.

The sounds of organ peals in a church nave,

Breaking silence in a manner bold and brave.

Pure resonance heard in harmonious cords,

Without any need to utter careless words.

The magnificence and grandeur of fortissimos,

The sadness and splendor of grieving adagios.

A symphonic whole made of such fragments,

To merge together into a unity of resonance.

Born in sub-terranean caverns and holy wells,

Sacred music to weave a web of magical spells.

Ah, the sublime melodies pass thru human ears,

Making their way aloft toward celestial spheres.

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Copyright © John Herlihy

Sunday 5 November 2023