I Hear the Drum

I Hear the Drum

written by: Don Flecknoe

I heard a piper through the mist
Far away and on the wind
That melancholy haunting tune
On that afternoon in Autumn.

Did he question my integrity
And summoned me to make amends
Truly seek atonement now?
The ebb tide’s on the turn.

I stood alone stranded there
No comfort on that cliff so high
No friend to guide me through mist
And bring me safely home.

***

I remember when my world was free
With friends we were a carefree clan
Drinking from the cup of life
Tomorrow’s still afar.

And so we thought this life we lead
Rich experience can’t be wrong
We drank and danced the whole night through
Indulgence was our song.

We ate the fruit, the fatted calf
Abundance here enough to waste
The fires’ fuel, there’s naught we need
Yet ignore the beggar’s plea.

Now, I hear the beating drum
Slow and rhythmic like a dirge
I wonder, what lies ahead
When the drummer plays no more.

Please leave this field empty

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• About
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Don Flecknoe

I have been a member of the Poets and Writers on the Tweed for over five years and have been writing for pleasure for over fifteen years. I am a retired architect, 83 years old. In my career I have been required to write detailed submissions to governmental departments and councils.

Latest posts by Don Flecknoe (see all)

• I Hear the Drum - June 16, 2026
• Spotlight On Writers – Don Flecknoe - May 23, 2026
• A Mother Waits - February 26, 2026