Ponder on That

Sherrif Andy Griffith would often make a point to the citizens of Mayberry with the closing words "ponder on that a while."  Recently, DeJuana and I began rehearsals for a fall concert with the Irving Chorale and were introduced to a challenging number titled BEAT, BEAT, DRUMS.  Thanks to the internet search engines and the analysis of Bremen Ray, I now have a better understanding of the text.  As Andy would say - ponder on that.

The words of Walt Whitman's BEAT! BEAT! DRUMS! first appeared in the Boston Daily Evening Transcript in 1861, and although Whitman sounded a call to duty during the early days of the Civil War, these words should speak clearly to our world in this 2K century. 

Whitman was adamant that the absurdity of normalcy was an indicator of problems which needed to be resolved - and required everyone's attention.  He left no section of society untouched as he beckoned the scholar, the religious, the young, and the indifferent.  He challenged those who pursued materialistic gains rather than moral gains and urged the whole of society to reevaluate doing business as usual.

The piece as a whole is a response to inaction. It is unsympathetic to the apathetic nature of society and attempts to inspire passion through beautiful language. Each of its symbols paint a picture of society and asks for each member of society to act and make the sacrifices necessary. (Bremen Ray - 2009)

Just as Whitman contended that everyone should know of the war, we too should be aware of the conflicts at hand.  Ours is not confined to the battles being conducted by military forces or even the struggle that exists with the criminal and ethical elements of society.  We are faced with a decline in patriotism, respect for things sacred, and the care of our neighbor. How long will the sounds of drums and bugles be ignored while we rest upon our laurels, wait for our entitlements, or proclaim "that's not my job"?

BEAT! beat! drums!--Blow! bugles! blow!
Through the windows--through doors--burst like a ruthless force,
Into the solemn church, and scatter the congregation;
Into the school where the scholar is studying;
Leave not the bridegroom quiet--no happiness must he have now with his bride;
Nor the peaceful farmer any peace, plowing his field or gathering his grain;
So fierce you whirr and pound, you drums--so shrill you bugles blow.

Beat! beat! drums!--Blow! bugles! blow!
Over the traffic of cities--over the rumble of wheels in the streets:
Are beds prepared for sleepers at night in the houses? No sleepers must sleep in those beds;
No bargainers' bargains by day--no brokers or speculators--Would they continue?
Would the talkers be talking? would the singer attempt to sing?
Would the lawyer rise in the court to state his case before the judge?
Then rattle quicker, heavier drums--you bugles wilder blow.

Beat! beat! drums!--Blow! bugles! blow!
Make no parley--stop for no expostulation;
Mind not the timid--mind not the weeper or prayer;
Mind not the old man beseeching the young man;
Let not the child's voice be heard, nor the mother's entreaties;
Make even the trestles to shake the dead, where they lie awaiting the hearses,
So strong you thump, O terrible drums--so loud you bugles blow.