The Drums of Time

The ceaseless beating of a drum,
fast marks our days ‘til we are done.
Our time will come, our time will come.

Listen, listen, can you hear it?
Growing louder as you near it,
as men of courage, cowering, fear it.

A distant, daunting, haunting hum,
vibrations of a tympanum,
of time to come, of time to come.

Strings of the cosmic tympanum,
vibrating ‘branes as they are strum,
keep perfect time ‘til we are done.

Drum beats of infinite duration,
a cosmic tintinnabulation,
God’s multiversal modulation.

In resonance the yogis “OM”
harmonics of the cosmic thrum,
that marks our days ‘til we are done.

The poets and the prophets pray 
their words of warning will convey
why we should cherish every day:

Blake wrote with vision, somber, sour,
“Eternity in just one hour.”
Just long enough to smell a flower,
before the beasts of time devour.

Look, to the stars, where we began,
now turn around and you are old.
Go, smell the flowers, while you can,
soon you’ll be buried in the cold.

For the ceaseless beating of a drum,
fast marks our days ‘til we are done.
Our time will come ... my time has come!

For the ceaseless beating of a drum,
fast mar …


Submitted 6-8-2020.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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

Boddie Avatar
June 30, 2020 at 11:18 PM
as the drum beats....many hearts feel defeat....when really there is no reason....for it is Always God's Season....and as we vibe to the sound....we fear not whats going down....for we now understand the truth....the war is now, the drums the proof....do that s*** eric....
Cohen Avatar
June 30, 2020 at 11:22 PM
Man, you inspire me. And I hope likewise. Peace, my friend.
Faulkner Avatar
June 23, 2020 at 9:04 PM
Very stirring, I like how the short lines mimic the drum's beating, also really like the line 'before the beasts of time devour' - excellent write, Eric!
Cohen Avatar
June 23, 2020 at 9:28 PM
Thanks for visiting and the comments, Michelle. If you like the Doors and music from that era, you might like my poem "DWM Senior Dance Days." Not my best effort but maybe the time piece connection will resonate. Best to you.
Mishra Avatar
June 12, 2020 at 6:28 AM
Thought provoking words Eric. Congratulations on your win! :)
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace