The Drumbeat of Life

by kiwisteveh

Tambour Contest Winner

Hot blood of the spring, to dreams you cling, by future's promise smitten,
Oh, youth that thrums with a song unsung, your music yet unwritten.
Dance to the drumbeat, laugh in the face of years;
Thrill to the sound of life unbound and freedom from earthly fears.
And love! You must love with a passionate heart
Feel fortune earned by a smile returned, or the ache of a wounding dart.
Come join the fray and seize the day, leave naught to fickle chance.
Like the wilful white-tipped waves, let's dance, let's dance!
For the drummer's insistent, the music is loud
And the dancer is warmed by the heat of the crowd.

To the drum, to the drum!
Oh, follow, follow the drum.

Now the hot summer sun adds fire to a youngster's craving.
The crop's in the field, the cornstalks bravely waving.
Build, build, so your plan's fulfilled, make every dream come true.
With will intense and strength immense, the harvest is overdue.
The beat's still strong to the drummer's song; life marches to its peak.
The years roll past with a changing cast; it's happiness you seek.
Hark! Do you hear how the music has changed?
How the drumbeat grows steady, more sure, re-arranged?
Do you feel still the dancer's thrill, the lure of a rhythm sweet?
To the floor, to the floor and dance once more with proud and certain feet.

To the drum, to the drum!
Oh, follow, follow the drum.

Tree colours bold and fields full of gold; autumn's on display.
Behold the page of graceful age, youth' daring far away.
Now summer's glory lies a distant mystery,
The great conquest, waves' foaming crest, consigned to memory.
Enjoy the fruit of life's pursuit, rest from the dancing a while;
With silvering hair, in an easy chair, pause with a pleasant smile.
Listen! Listen! How softly plays the drum.
In twilight shades the drum-roll fades to a far off hum.
Now seasons cool and winter's rule grips with icy fingers.
On a smooth new floor you'll dance once more where the music always lingers.

To the drum, to the drum!
Oh, follow, follow the drum.
Though the shadows may come,
To the drum, to the drum!~

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