None but the few
experience deep...
What it takes to be
a natural drummer
no matter which culture
which vision, which color
more than picking animal skin
chosen for qualities within
dried and cured, when mature
stretched judiciously, tuned
being selective, adding tension
determining its proper dimensions
breaking in its soul, testing how...
its voice is carried in the forest
its echoes climbing the wind...
to speak ...and be answered
lovingly, gradually making it taut...
shaping its voice, testing its call
leading its talk, making it walk
weaving its stories with spirits
in phrases of beings skilled
in the ways of communication
of emotions carrying word
messages sent far and wide
masters of how to form hands
hardened by time and space
exploring the journeys long
days beating, hands bleeding
day and nights... drum song
all is progressing as it should
for the nation is strong
C2

