Your Own Drum
Left, right
Left, right
We’re marching in file
to the edge of a cliff
Left, right
Left, right
It’s an artificial construct
to widen the gulf
between either or
But the innocents are the cause
we rise to stand for
The conscience is the drum
worthy to follow the beat of
Right, wrong
Right, wrong
There are no excuses
to choose from
Right, wrong
Right, wrong
Which side of history
are you on?
______Colleen Redman / Poets and Storytellers United
June 28th, 2020 12:54 am
That’s the question – which side of history is one on…and silence puts one on the wrong side I think… !!
June 28th, 2020 12:57 am
I think it’s all in your title. We must each follow our own conscience. I was recently moved to tell friend who was in a dilemma: ‘Do what you know to be right. And if you don’t know, ask for guidance.’ (And then we need to be alert for what signs we get by way of guidance.)
June 28th, 2020 2:50 am
We all hope things will be fair but must also accept others don’t necessarily think that way too but fail to consider those in need at all.
June 28th, 2020 4:49 am
Which side indeed. Great question. I always try to take a middle stance on most issues, being fair to all, yet I’m often thought controversial. What does that say about the world?
June 28th, 2020 8:11 am
We have so much to wrap our minds around, these days; so many “truths” demanding to be believed. Hard to sort it all out and stay ‘in step” while doing so. Smoother times ahead, we pray.
June 28th, 2020 10:46 am
Love the flip at the end.
June 28th, 2020 11:34 am
We will have to choose, won’t we?
June 28th, 2020 12:00 pm
Right…left…right…wrong. Life is all about choices, made perfectly clear in your poem.
June 28th, 2020 12:35 pm
Sides are an increasingly precarious thing these days, especially when it comes to the past. I might be easier to choose where to walk now and tomorrow. But… ‘easier’ is rarely easy at all.
June 28th, 2020 12:51 pm
As a rule of thumb, I go with the one with less abuse of my fellow human beings involved, but that certainly doesn’t mean I get complacent when walking down a path.
June 28th, 2020 1:03 pm
A timely take on a divided nation–a divided world. History will indeed have the final say.
June 28th, 2020 1:38 pm
Hopefully we will choose the right side 🙂 as we march on. There is so much to ponder upon as issues are raised and tackled. I too love the title! ?
June 28th, 2020 8:35 pm
Love the marching rhythm in your poem. You always have a choice How much that will have an impact we don’t know
June 29th, 2020 7:39 am
i like how this went. it’s got a beat and a message. like a hit song. great read.
June 29th, 2020 4:25 pm
Oh yes, I love how you flipped it at the end, the question each of us needs to answer.
June 29th, 2020 5:54 pm
For some people, it’s easier to choose the path of least resistance even if it goes against what you’ve been taught to believe is right, fair, and just. So it seems to me.
June 30th, 2020 11:46 pm
I’m usually on the wrong side, not by choice, it just sort of ends up that way (or seems like it, anyway).