Poetry for the People

Beating the Drums

Beating the drums of pain and destruction
Where the drumsticks are your hands and the weapons you use
And the drums are the body of a poor child
Who you torture and abuse

Please stop beating
Stop beating the child
You say that it's discipline, a reminder you'll win
The child tries to hide the bruises
Most will heal but the mind chooses
To let them remain as reminders of the pain

Beating the drums of pain and destruction
You let happiness be clouded by pain and defeat
The poor child is crying and sobbing
While you dance to the sound, the distressing beat

Please stop beating
Stop beating the child
You say that it's discipline, a reminder you'll win
The child tries to hide the bruises
Most will heal but the mind chooses
To let them remain as reminders of the pain

Stop beating the drums of pain and destruction