After the Aural Skills II students did their "rhythm performances" (Takadimi system in compound meter, anyone???) our professor gave us a lovely lecture that detoured from music, chord functions, melodic and rhythmic dictation.
She brought up a poem that was apparently found on an old church wall several decades ago, and read it to us. It was so beautiful that I almost got choked up. Glean what you can, as I did, and be blessed:
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| [The pecan trees behind the music building have been in full bloom this week] |
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in
silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all
persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to
others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If
you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for
always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your
achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real
possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your
business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not
blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high
ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical
about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as
perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things
of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden
misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears
are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be
gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the
stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to
you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and
whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep
peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful
world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
--Max Ehrmann
