The Drum, by Tom Mukasa

 THE DRUM

I traveled over land and seas,

until I came to laughter’s home.

I met a woman heavy with child,

‘you are heavy with child too,’ stated the woman.

‘Yes,’ said I. ‘Heavy with sound.’

I shared my sound, she bore a bouncing baby.

I traveled  over land and seas,

Until I came to music’s home.

I met a village singer.

‘you must be the bringer of rhythm,’ stated the singer.

‘yes,’ said I. I bring you beats and music notes,

I shared my beats, the music had rhythm.

I traveled over land and seas,

Until I came to a children’s game,

the leader posing tricky riddles,

‘it talks, it sings and cheers but has no mouth.’

‘the drum, ‘ answered the children in unison.

I enjoyed my moment in the sun.

I traveled over land and seas,

Until I came before an old woman,

Wisdom marks in her beaming countenance,

She prepared a place for me next to her.

‘this is for you, oh! Messenger’ said she to me.

I traveled over land and seas,

Until I came to a ritual ceremony,

invited amidst ululation,

I showed them the drum beat,

I showed them how it brings harmony.