I feel the sure and steady beat
of life's blood pulsing through my heart --
its course a circuit to complete
and then begin again at start.

As tides of fortune ebb and flow,
I feel the sure and steady beat,
an affirmation meant to show
the rise that follows each retreat.

With constancy my pulse repeats
in steadfast pattern every day --
I feel the sure and steady beat
that helps me keep defeat at bay.

I cannot cheat that time to come
when life will not be mine to greet,
but till death stills that final drum,
I feel the sure and steady beat.