Ernest R..

Music, the universal language of mankind, is also a form of beauty at its best. As language differs among peoples, so does the language of music differ with time, place, background and experience; but if it is true music, it strikes a responsive chord. In a Japanese home at Christmas-time, I was the only person in the group who spoke English. Yet ways of communication were found. Thinking of home, I hummed softly to myself, "Silent Night." To my surprise, the French guest, the German guest and the Japanese family joined in singing the universally inspiring Christmas song, each in his own language, yet in the same language, the language of the heart.

I know a road that leads into a city, Also a lane that finds a cooling stream, Where ferns may look down at their green reflection And sway with the winds and dream- and dream. I know a path that leads into a forest, Lined with purple shadows of the night, While poplars bend somewhere along a hilltop Ringing their silver bells in quick delight. I know a trail that dances over hill-tops Reaching high for clouds that sail the blue, But best I know a path that leads me homeward- A lane that takes me home to friends- and you.