“If The Drum Is A Woman” by Jayne Cortez
If the drum is a woman
why are you pounding your drum into an insane
babble
why are you pistol whipping your drum at dawn
why are you shooting through the head of your drum
and making a drum tragedy of drums
if the drum is a woman
don’t abuse your drum don’t abuse your drum
don’t abuse your drum
I know the night is full of displaced persons
I see skins striped with flames
I know the ugly disposition of underpaid clerks they constantly menstruate through the eyes
I know bitterness embedded in flesh
the itching alone can drive you crazy
I know that this is America and chicken are coming home to roost
on the MX missile
But if the drum is a woman
why are you choking your drum
why are you raping your drum
why are you saying disrespectful things
to your mother drum your sister drum
your wife drum and your infant daughter drum
If the drum is a woman
then understand your drum
your drum is not docile
your drum is not invisible
your drum is not inferior to you
your drum is a woman
so don’t reject your drum don’t try to dominate your drum
don’t become weak and cold and desert your drum
don’t be forced into the position
as an oppressor of drums and make a drum tragedy of drums
if the drum is a woman
don’t abuse your drum don’t abuse your drum
don’t abuse our drum
Listen to “If The Drum Is A Woman” by Jayne Cortez on YouTube
About the poet Jayne Cortez
“If The Drum Is A Woman” is a searing, allegorical poem in which Jayne Cortez challenges the audience to confront the abuse and exploitation inherent in objectifying femininity. In the poem, the drum serves as a powerful metaphor for women, embodying both strength and vulnerability. Cortez criticizes the violent, dismissive treatment of this symbol—questioning why one would “pistol whip” or “rape” the drum—thereby urging a respectful and empathetic approach toward all aspects of feminine identity. The raw language and vivid imagery highlight the pain and injustice inflicted upon those who are marginalized, while the refrain “don’t abuse your drum” serves as a passionate call for recognition, care, and equality.
To delve deeper into the life and work of Jayne Cortez, the revolutionary voice behind this bold poem, please visit her full bio HERE.