This poem is an interpretation of work from the Guro (also known as Guoro and Kweni) in Côte d'Ivoire, Africa, who see a drummer on the Moon. More African tales can be found here on A treasury of African folklore: the Oral Literature, Traditions, Myths, by Harold Courlander.
Drummer on the Moon was written by storyteller and author Lynn Moroney, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. Lynn's Native American ancestry and pioneer roots are deeply woven into her stories. Her repertory abounds with sky tales from around the world ... most particularly the sky myths and stories of indigenous peoples.
Drummer on the Moon is told by Al Bostick, a storyteller and artist who presents and leads performances to delight, teach, and stimulate the mind, body and spirit.
Children.....Look.....Look up at the Moon. See the Man sitting there on the moon? He is the Drummer Man. Listen Children, I will tell you about The Drummer Man on the Moon.
He got there before your father's father, and your mother's mother, before their fathers and mothers.
The Drummer Man sits there on the Moon and plays his Drum. His drum is a Talking Drum.
He plays his Talking Drum for the spirits of our ancestors. Our ancestors are there on the moon. They are waiting for us. We cannot see our ancestors. We see only the Drummer Man. All night he plays and sings and chants and tells stories to our ancestors.
Oh Children, when the Moon is full, remember to look for the Drummer Man. You will see him, sitting there playing his drum.
And if you listen, maybe you will hear him as you fall asleep. Shhhhhh... Tonight when you fall asleep, you can dream of the Drummer Man.
Shhhhh...now you can dream the story.
Shhhhh...See the Drummer Man.
Can you hear the Drummer Man?
The story is ended.