Stanzas 1-3:
- The poem begins with the gathering of wood, symbolizing the raw materials that form the foundation of the drum, much like the diverse backgrounds and origins of the African people.
- Brathwaite describes the wood as "black skin/stretched taut," alluding to the African ancestry and the idea of embracing one's identity.
Stanzas 4-5:
- The poet highlights the communal nature of drum-making as people from different backgrounds come together.
- The hammering of the skin onto the wood resonates with the sound of drums.
Stanzas 6-7:
- Brathwaite mentions the "secret tongue" spoken by the drums, suggesting the rich oral traditions, languages, and rhythms transmitted through African cultures.
Stanzas 8-10:
- As the wood and skin meld together, the drum is born.
Stanzas 11-12:
- The poet emphasizes the power of the drum to "call our spirits home," symbolizing the connection between African diasporic communities and their ancestral roots.
Stanzas 13-14:
- The "rhythm pulse," heard during drumming sessions, becomes a unifying force that transcends temporal and spatial boundaries.
Stanzas 15-18:
- Brathwaite reflects on the drum's significance as a medium of resistance, liberation, and celebration.
Ultimately, "The Making of the Drum" underscores the profound role of art, music, and communal practices in preserving and expressing the cultural identity of the African diaspora. The drum acts as a metaphor for the collective spirit, history, and strength forged through shared experiences and connections across generations.