It echoes from soul to soul
Long ago, yesterday, here and now
The drumbeat
Eternal through time
Continuing through ages
In myth and unknowing
A pounding of words
Washing of mind
Untruths repeated
The drumbeat quickens
Spreading fear, doubt
Deleting intelligence, validity
The people accept
It must be true
Heard over and over and over again
It is loud and voracious
Eating sanity
Drowning out awareness
The drumbeat cares not
Of its intent and repercussions
It embraces darkness
No turning back for some
Repetition and addiction
Swallowed with conviction
There is hope, though
To quiet the drumbeat
Silence its angry tongue
In education and civility
With morality and love
You, me, the ones who refuse it
Refuse the drumbeat
Accept the soothing song of truth
Move forward with open eyes
Mary J Melange 
Oh WOW! This is incredible. So powerful and true. What a wonderful poem.
Thank you for the positive comment! I truly appreciate it.
This is excellent, Mary.
“Accept the soothing song of truth…”
You are the voice of reason.
Thanks Dan. Reason seems to be in short supply this year, so I’ll keep on trying to sing it.
Beautiful! Thank you for taking part 😊
Thanks Ingrid! I enjoy challenges and reading the other entries. 🙂
Me too 😊
Oh, well done, Mary J! I wish this could be added to every performance of “The Little Drummer Boy.” Hugs on the wing!
Thanks Teagan! I think I’ll leave the little drummer boy out of this and hope that the not-so-nice pounding of 2020 can somehow lessen in the new year..
Wow! This is an amazing piece!
You’re so kind, Eugenia, thank you!
Drumbeat = lies. Lies that want to become truth when repeated long and loud enough to silence any dissent. But the power of truth will overcome the staccato of lies like bullets that try to rip apart our society. Bravo on an emotionally accessible poem!
The drumbeat of lies, misinformation and half-truths have been so strong this year, devoured by too many. It has deeply concerned me and I hope that you are correct – the power of truth will bring some peace and stability to the country.
Powerful! I believe we need a different drummer.
Thanks JoAnna. A different drummer is coming in January and none too soon.
Wonderful Mary!
Thanks Cheryl!
🤗