The Beauty of Mathematics

By: Thomas K. Hyland, Jr.

From Browning came,
"How do I love thee, let me count the ways."
The Beauty of Mathematics can be found in such lays.
We count the words, the lines, the syllables,
using flowery phrases to quicken within the still of us.

Whether the writing be poetry or prose,
there's a methodical beauty hidden, one might suppose.
In most, if not all, good musical works,
The composer calculates his personal quirks.

Mathematics is employed to set the mood and pace.
Majors and minors, sharps and flats, are set in place,
along with eighths, quarters, halves, and whole notes
to delineate the structure, form, and noble grace.

Next, consider if you will, Math's use in song,
the same principles apply, as "Merrily we roll along.."
Rock-n-Roll, Country, Blues, Jazz, or Rap,
the style itself really matters not,
for as you listen to something "hot",
your fingers beat the cadence...tap, tap, tap!

© May 20, 1997