Drumbeat of the Muses

The muses all march to their own rhythmic drum
Or saunter or scamper in their favored time
The poems will come when they come, when they come

Blank paper on desk, pen on finger and thumb
The poet sits poised to inscribe thoughts sublime
The muses all march to their own rhythmic drum

With verve you foresaw untapped depths you would plumb
But zeal slowly fades in a mute pantomime
The poems will come when they come, when they come

Yet do not despair or resign as would some
The cycle of seasons is their paradigm
The muses all march to their own rhythmic drum

Enjoy the down time: visit friends, share some rum
Read poets you love while awaiting your rhyme
The poems will come when they come, when they come

Then, glorious day! Muses sing, dance, and hum
Fresh words fall like snowflakes, cathedral bells chime
The muses all march to their own rhythmic drum
The poems will come when they come, when they come


written 22 Jan 2020
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020


Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Date: 8/14/2022 11:14:00 AM
Yayyyy, you are doing fantastic. Keep using those faved ones, John!!
Login to Reply
Date: 8/14/2022 10:37:00 AM
Oh, my dear PoBro! I absolutely adore the drumbeat of your muses! "The poems will come when they come, when they come" - how brilliant this verse is in its drum roll effect! I can relate so thoroughly to the creative message of this poem so full of visions and expressive musicality. "Enjoy the down time: visit friends, share some rum" - yum! and "Fresh words fall like snowflakes, cathedral bells chime" - yes! the euphoria felt when the muses return! I know the feeling and you've captured it beautifully and masterfully. Congratulations, John, for your excellent win in Mark's contest. It's a joy to stand side by side with you at the podium. Warmest wishes and hugs, my wonderful friend.. ~your PS-PS
Login to Reply
Date: 8/12/2022 12:26:00 PM
Hi, John. I love your "Drumbeat of the Muses." Sometimes the drums beat to a triumphant march - "Then, glorious day!" Other times they beat as a dirge. Then we can "enjoy the downtime: visit friends, share some rum." The drums can be heard in the repetitious rhythm of "The poems will come when they come, when they come." A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your win on Mile 11 of my 2022 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 12 has already started!
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 8/12/2022 11:47:00 PM
Mark, thank you ever so much for your kind placement and for sharing the parts you liked. I also greatly appreciate the Fav. I'm sure enjoying your marathon... see you next mile!
Date: 8/12/2022 11:37:00 AM
Fresh! Delightful! Ringing with your creative spirit R&R bro! Beautiful villanelle marked by your poetic mastery of words, images and striking phrases all rolled into making your theme shine! You have made your muse smile! Congratulations on your win dear friend from your R&R sis! One into the parking lot!
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 8/12/2022 11:36:00 PM
Thanks R&Rsis for your ever generous assessments. Hope you are enjoying your weekend... keep writing and inspiring!
Date: 8/4/2022 11:22:00 AM
Yes, this was one that I had faved because it actually sounds like a drum and that is so cool. Good choice, my friend.
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 8/12/2022 10:33:00 PM
I appreciate your vote of confidence, dear friend
Date: 5/1/2022 12:45:00 PM
Congratulations on a wonderful write for Beata’s contest. Blessings to you
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 5/1/2022 9:53:00 PM
Always grateful for a visit from you Eve. I hope you are doing well. Hugs ~ John
Date: 4/29/2022 7:52:00 PM
"Fresh words fall like snowflakes." Such a beautiful image, so inspiring and magical, all at the same time. I completely agree, my sweet friend- "The poems will come when they come." Your thoughts caress the page with such elegance and grace. Congratulations John, on this win. :) Hugs, Brandy
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 4/29/2022 9:28:00 PM
Brandy, I'm always so grateful for the kindness of your reading and the thoughtfulness of your commenting. Thank you for thinking my thoughts have elegance and grace. Blushing a little bit. I'm glad you entered this contest also with your lovely poem. Hugs ~ John
Date: 4/29/2022 7:29:00 PM
Great Villanelle. Congratulations!
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 4/29/2022 9:25:00 PM
Thank you, Christuraj, for the kind words and congrats. ~ John
Date: 4/29/2022 7:55:00 AM
Congrats! Thanks for your participation, making this poetic occasion jubilant. Belated Poetry Day, dear poet. God bless you.
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 4/29/2022 9:24:00 PM
Thank you Beata for sponsoring a celebration of Poetry Day and Month with this contest. I am grateful for your placement of this poem, and for exposing me to some other great writes. Grace and peace ~ John
Date: 8/4/2020 10:35:00 PM
Charming tribute to the fickle muses ~
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 8/8/2020 1:26:00 PM
Line, thank you very much.
Date: 5/29/2020 6:43:00 AM
Enjoyed the tone and flow of your message, John--excellent write!
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 5/29/2020 10:48:00 AM
Thank you for the visit and kind words, Vijay. I hope you are having a wonderful day!
Date: 5/28/2020 6:10:00 PM
You really nailed it John. The muses "marching to their rhythmic drum" is so visceral. The drumbeat is felt in your phrase "when they come - when they come." This is a rhythmic masterpiece. Congratulations!
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 5/28/2020 6:37:00 PM
Thanks so very much, Sammy. It is just like you to pick up on any musical hint, no matter how subtle. But drums are probably the least subtle of instruments! You always lift my spirits with your comments and inspire with your poetry, my friend.
Date: 1/29/2020 11:18:00 PM
Nicely written verse, John, congratulations on your 6th place win. Hugs Eve
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/30/2020 12:34:00 AM
Thank you Eve! Hugs ~ John
Date: 1/29/2020 8:32:00 PM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this prudent counsel, inspiring me toward blissful writing. God bless you.
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/30/2020 12:35:00 AM
You're welcome, Beata... I look forward to reading more of your writings soon. God bless you as well ~ John
Date: 1/29/2020 3:53:00 PM
wow, you got a placement, way to go. Wish I could have gotten on it.John, I wish I could see more of your poems but I need to get to the gym and probably hubbie still does not have internet turned on for me. I think I soupmailed you, he is working on finishing up our basement. have a wonderful evening!
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/30/2020 12:34:00 AM
I loved your Villanelle "Led Astray". You make it look so easy. Thanks for the support ~ John
Date: 1/29/2020 2:33:00 PM
An engaging piece whereto I can relate John, my compliments on 6th place and thanks for your participation.
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/29/2020 2:51:00 PM
William, thank you for sponsoring this contest and challenging me to try a new form. I'm humbled by the high placement among some wonderful poets. Blessings, John
Date: 1/28/2020 2:40:00 AM
This is not an easy form but you did it very well... Some Mises drum really loudly...some softly... Some silently... Looks like a winner to me
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/28/2020 11:56:00 AM
Thank you, SO. I always appreciate your affirmation and thoughtful comments.
Date: 1/26/2020 4:26:00 PM
well, I did not really have to track down your poems to read when all I had to do was come HERE. This is superb villanelle work, John. I am not sure (because I do not recall how your meter was at the very beginning) but perhaps you are growing in your talent with meter. To WRITE about meter (using the drum metaphor) and do the alternating lines here so adeptly speaks to your amazing talent. FAVE
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/27/2020 2:13:00 AM
Thank you so much for the very uplifting words and the fave, Andrea. I'm grateful for your frequent encouragement ~ John
Date: 1/25/2020 9:09:00 PM
it would be rather boring if they all marched to the same drum... great rhythm and flow to this one...wonderfully penned Villanelle ... best wishes in the contest :) hugs
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/25/2020 10:52:00 PM
The muses can be capricious, but when they sing in your ear, it is magical. Your words speak to my heart, dear Sandra, and I am grateful. Warm regards to you ~ John
Date: 1/24/2020 3:24:00 PM
So true! I really enjoyed your Villanelle. My muses definitely march to their own drumbeat.
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/24/2020 4:33:00 PM
Agnes, thank you for the visit and the kind words. It's nice to know I'm not alone with regards to capricious muses! ~ John
Date: 1/23/2020 9:18:00 AM
A top contender! Love the beat and the message! Nicely done, John!
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/23/2020 4:38:00 PM
Kim, thanks for the visit and kind words ~ John
Date: 1/23/2020 8:55:00 AM
Ah, your poem has a drum beat of its own, and I like it, gl with the contest dear John.
Login to Reply
Watt Avatar
John Watt
Date: 1/23/2020 4:39:00 PM
Pixie, I appreciate your stopping by and leaving me a comment ~ John
Get a Premium Membership
Get more exposure for your poetry and more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Reflection on the Important Things

Member Area

My Admin
Profile and Settings
Edit My Poems
Edit My Quotes
Edit My Short Stories
Edit My Articles
My Comments Inboxes
My Comments Outboxes
Soup Mail
Poetry Contests
Contest Results/Status
Followers
Poems of Poets I Follow
Friend Builder

Soup Social

Poetry Forum
New/Upcoming Features
The Wall
Soup Facebook Page
Who is Online
Link to Us

Member Poems

Poems - Top 100 New
Poems - Top 100 All-Time
Poems - Best
Poems - by Topic
Poems - New (All)
Poems - New (PM)
Poems - New by Poet
Poems - Read
Poems - Unread

Member Poets

Poets - Best New
Poets - New
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems
Poets - Top 100 Most Poems Recent
Poets - Top 100 Community
Poets - Top 100 Contest

Famous Poems

Famous Poems - African American
Famous Poems - Best
Famous Poems - Classical
Famous Poems - English
Famous Poems - Haiku
Famous Poems - Love
Famous Poems - Short
Famous Poems - Top 100

Famous Poets

Famous Poets - Living
Famous Poets - Most Popular
Famous Poets - Top 100
Famous Poets - Best
Famous Poets - Women
Famous Poets - African American
Famous Poets - Beat
Famous Poets - Cinquain
Famous Poets - Classical
Famous Poets - English
Famous Poets - Haiku
Famous Poets - Hindi
Famous Poets - Jewish
Famous Poets - Love
Famous Poets - Metaphysical
Famous Poets - Modern
Famous Poets - Punjabi
Famous Poets - Romantic
Famous Poets - Spanish
Famous Poets - Suicidal
Famous Poets - Urdu
Famous Poets - War

Poetry Resources

Anagrams
Bible
Book Store
Character Counter
Cliché Finder
Poetry Clichés
Common Words
Copyright Information
Grammar
Grammar Checker
Homonym
Homophones
How to Write a Poem
Lyrics
Love Poem Generator
New Poetic Forms
Plagiarism Checker
Poetry Art
Publishing
Random Word Generator
Spell Checker
What is Good Poetry?
Word Counter