The Hallowed Drum
By John Herlihy

Rhythmic and deep, a profound inner pounding,

Flashes of sound with whole worlds resounding.

Mystery lies within us that desires to be heard,

Revelatory impulses echo from the eternal word.

At first we hear only silence impersonating sound,

Then we realize something is happening all around.

I notice a pulse beat within to establish my rhythm,

The rhythm comes to life emerging as light hidden.

A secret drum lies within made of echoes and sighs,

The drum inspires visions to guide me with its eyes.

Magnetic, inspiring, faint sounds as the drum spoke,

The drum is my inner voice of conscience remote.

A thousand years pass but the drum always beats,

This inner sounding a conscious awakening meets.

I step gingerly to the sacred rhythms I hear within,

The journey lasts a lifetime, each step I newly begin.