WHAT CAN’T BE TOUCHED

How inexplicable this phenomenon

music

the subject of philosophers psychologists sociologists educators
and the medical community as well
it’s continuously analyzed by musical theorists of every persuasion around the world.

for musicians it has both sides of the brain at work with a fusion of the imagination and mathematical relationships

it’s capable of power
passion or restraint
and unmeasurable nuance

far beyond the science of sound
it’s transcendent
ubiquitous
with silence it’s playmate

realized by classical composers
populace songwriters
musicians
even those creating for simple pleasure
whether by way of human touch
technology or in nature
it is impossible to comprehend the full measure of its dimension and consequence

it cannot be encased
or contained
and won’t be dismissed
if not the ears
the mind
the heart
or the soul will hear it

In hospital beds
prisons and churches
homes and schools
fields
concerts and the ballet
operas
in battle
bars and restaurants
cars and trucks
trains and planes
sports events
grand dinners
or a soft lit room
movies
the work place
stores and shops
malls and mines
on a run or walk
elevators
television
studios and festivals
listening rooms
bar mitzvahs
weddings and funerals

the young listen via streaming
for the seasoned silver lined it’s a time stamp

profoundly spiritual
through a plaintiff voice
from a bluegrass holler
or a grand cathedral
it lives in orchestras
instruments
choirs
in nature
a hollow log
a reed
organic or synthetic

it’s the sound expression of the culture in neighborhoods
cities and nations
their musical voice
their expression of life

it imbues the sovereign
as well as the sensual

there’s beauty
sadness
angst
whimsy
power
rage
gaiety
sophistication
awe
tenderness
nostalgia

and in those moments come freedom
catharsis
healing and inspiration
memories and tears
peace or pain
bliss and hope
empowerment

it is every emotion of life
touching us

yet we can never touch
what can’t be touched

this music