The whistle calls the drummers to beat

Marching in place
to the Drum Major’s call

every step of the marching bands feet
the left and the right together do fall
awaiting the command to step


The mace is raised

they march in place
anticipation swirling in hearts

Stepping off as one
With the fall of the mace
Perfection in rhythm and step


The brass starts the strutting

Their blaring cacophony
Joins to the rhythm and beat

Sliding and crying they shine
Swaying in celebration’s tide
A dance swells among them


So delicate the flutes, almost unnoticed

Singing in their sweet gentle voice
But rising in volume to scream

Their rhythmic swaying song
Soothing the beast with its calm
Aerophones with their dancing fingers


The reeds not to be outdone

Squealing with their own finger dance
Sway with the flutes gentle flow

Adding depth to the song they are singing
Harmony embraces them pulling together
All of the noise joins to make song


Sousa would smile to hear them all singing

Glory and honor be praised in their refrain
Marching inspires reminiscing patriotic

The stars and the stripes raised high lead
Steady and forward the flag pushes on
Dopplers rule explains the pitch fading


The sun and the moon watch in their glory

Flashing to the rhythm and beat
Light joins the melody too

Batons twirl and fly freely
High into the morning’s coolness
The transition to a new marching beat

05/30/2018

Posted on 05/30/2018
Copyright © 2025 Brian Francis