Home » Poems » P.S. Awtry » Listen For the Drum

Listen For the Drum


listen to the drum,

talking to the dance

listen to the elders, 

whispering their chants

listen to the hooves, pounding on the plain

listen to the birds, prophesying rain

listen to the moon, time to plant the grain

listen to the tales, told around the fire

listen to the breeze, and the clouds conspire

listen for the buffalo, warn of dreadful days

listen, The Great Spirit speaks in many ways

listen for the eagle, 

calling from the sky

listen 

for the drum,

hear 

a mournful sigh

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

Brian Strand

Date: 7/2/2025 11:37:00 PM

This is a great poem which I read every year on the 2nd Monday in October. The poem has great rhythm and evocative images that make me feel I am sat round some camp fire on the Great Plains. For me, I'd like the last line to be a little more upbeat, but can understand why a person might set this as a lament.

P.S. Awtry
Date: 7/3/2025 9:45:00 AM

Hi Brian, thank you for your kind feedback on this one. :) -ps

Clive Blake

Date: 12/4/2021 11:36:00 PM

Hi PS, A very beautiful and inspiring poem, I am pleased I found it. ~ Clive :)

P.S. Awtry
Date: 12/5/2021 12:01:00 AM

Thank you so much! :) -ps

Constance La France

Date: 3/2/2021 3:07:00 PM

PS, your poem is beautiful and congratulations on your win in Carolyn's contest _Constance

P.S. Awtry
Date: 3/2/2021 3:23:00 PM

thank you Constance :) Always good to hear from you ~ps

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 3/1/2021 11:26:00 AM

Native American spirit is captured in your poem, P.S. Nature calls to us and tries to warn us of danger ahead, but it seems we often fail to listen. Congratulations on a second place in the contest! Best wishes, Carolyn

P.S. Awtry
Date: 3/2/2021 6:50:00 AM

Thanks Carolyn :) ~ps

Franci Hoffman

Date: 1/29/2021 11:59:00 AM

Enchanting piece and a beautiful tribute to native culture.

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/1/2021 2:55:00 PM

thank you! :) ~ps

Debbie Duncan

Date: 1/28/2021 10:05:00 PM

Nicely done :-)

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/1/2021 2:55:00 PM

thanks :) ~ps

Kim Hyde

Date: 1/28/2021 9:13:00 AM

This is gorgeous! The rhythm takes us there into the drum circle and I feel enchanted. Great stuff.

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/1/2021 2:54:00 PM

thank you very much! Glad you liked it :) ~ps

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 1/28/2021 6:34:00 AM

You bring us there! We hear the drums, the birds, the chants. Nicely done, P.S. Congratulations on becoming a lifetime member!

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/1/2021 2:54:00 PM

Thank you Kim! :) ~ps

David Walker

Date: 1/28/2021 2:46:00 AM

Very creative, very nicely done PS. I enjoyed it. I think its memorable

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/1/2021 2:53:00 PM

thank you so much :) ~ps

Gillie Davies

Date: 1/27/2021 9:37:00 PM

Wow! this just popped up in my feed. what a glorious write! It took me right from the page to the beauty of the world, just what was needed. Thank you so much for sharing!

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/1/2021 2:53:00 PM

thank you for your generous compliment :) ~ps

Eve Roper

Date: 1/27/2021 7:50:00 PM

Nicely written, PS, with great flow.

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/1/2021 2:52:00 PM

Thank you Eve :) ~ps

Susan Lawrence

Date: 1/27/2021 1:59:00 PM

...beautiful..emotional..wise I feel the beat of the drum. Very visceral. I have spent time over many years with a tribe in E AZ and gained so much perspective into life. I have had the gift of seeing many of the young women's Coming of Age Ceremonies and have been blessed with their friendship. I have captured some of the images in my paintings. Always in gratitude . Thank you for this great poem and your heart and wisdom. Susan :)

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/1/2021 2:52:00 PM

thank you so much Susan, and welcome to Poetry Soup :) ~ps

Gershon Wolf

Date: 10/31/2020 5:47:00 PM

This popped up on my sidebar... So perfectly penned, P.S... Just one more reminder of why I'd love to read your contributions again. Hope all is well. Take good care, Gershon

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/1/2021 2:48:00 PM

thank you Gershon :) ~ps

Alkas Poetry

Date: 9/28/2020 9:22:00 PM

Pay attention to the signs that are everywhere, be aware of the life that warns you at the right time, be wise to live well and in peace ... congrats alkas

P.S. Awtry
Date: 10/17/2020 6:08:00 PM

Thank you, Alkas! -ps

Ann Foster

Date: 6/23/2019 10:42:00 PM

This is one of my very favorites. I can feel all of it. I can see it clearly. Thank you in words unwritten, as they fall short to the true tribute. Ann

P.S. Awtry
Date: 6/24/2019 8:00:00 AM

Thank you very much Ann. :)

Rico Leffanta

Date: 2/21/2019 6:22:00 PM

Although two ears but one mouth is more to the point, I think most people will prefer your version! Aloha! Rico

P.S. Awtry
Date: 2/21/2019 6:45:00 PM

Hmm :)

M. L. Kiser

Date: 12/17/2018 7:39:00 PM

The drum does speak; well penned and congrats on your win.

P.S. Awtry
Date: 12/17/2018 7:42:00 PM

thank you :)

Robert Lindley

Date: 12/16/2018 10:52:00 AM

Congratulations on this fine poem being number two on the one hundred best new poems list my friend. A wondrous creation.. A fav ..

P.S. Awtry
Date: 12/16/2018 2:15:00 PM

Thank you so very much! :)

Robert L. Hinshaw

Date: 12/15/2018 5:03:00 PM

Congrats, PS, for your well-deserved lst Place Win in the contest. I'm honored to share lst Place with you. Many thanks for your kind comments re my win. Best to you as you continue your poetical journey and may you and your family enjoy a Joyous Holiday Season.Bob

P.S. Awtry
Date: 12/16/2018 2:16:00 PM

Thank you, for your visit and kind words! Wishing you many blessings :)

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 12/15/2018 4:38:00 PM

Very nice drum call! Congrats on first place!

P.S. Awtry
Date: 12/15/2018 5:40:00 PM

Thank you, Kim :)