Another lyric about another man lost to the psychological cost of war. It seems that no one generation is without some form of damage from it yet, despite those harsh lessons, young people still line up at the enlistment offices.
The title speaks to the drums of war throughout the ages.
Of Ancient Drums
I heard it said that a man was dead and no one knew just why
The news was old when I was told with the sun low in the sky
Through a sleepless night and dawning light I searched for words to say
I knew him well but couldn't tell how I took the news that day
And I heard the ancient drums begin to play.
We were the last of a crazy past and kept each other sane
We lost the rest in a far-flung test with nothing there to gain
Now he's gone and I gotta go on, feeling kinda lost.
Yea, I'm the last of a crazy past, and feeling double-crossed
When we left, we left ourselves behind
A sacrifice that never came to mind
Lost in our own towns, never feeling home
Finding comfort only when we'd roam
He had a wife but not the life true lovers learn to live
She wanted more from a man of war who lost his yearn to give
They went their way and I must say he never spoke her name
But I heard him sigh and sometimes cry for her just the same
And the ancient drums fell silent as if they were to blame
This morning's birds sing out their words, but I have none to say
Should I call to tell her all that she might forgive his way
And because I care I wouldn't dare let her know how he was found
In the city park just after dark face down on the ground
And the buglar stands to play his old and melancholy sound
Sad. The drum theme would go well with a march style of music.I could hear the drums in my head as I read the lyrics.
I read it a few times, just to follow the story. Works excellent as a poem and would be interested to hear it put to music, if that's your intention!
Really well written :)