Classic Poem

At dawn of day I saw a man
Stand by a grog saloon:
His eyes were sunk, his lips were parched,
O that's the drunkard's doom.

His little son stood by his side,
And to his father said,
" Father, mother lies sick at home
And sister cries for bread. "

He rose and staggered to the bar
As oft he'd done before,
And to the landlord smilingly said,
" Just fill me one glass more. "

The cup was filled at his command,
He drank of the poisoned bowl,
He drank, while wife and children starved,
And ruined his own soul.

A year had passed, I went that way,
A hearse stood at the door;
I paused to ask, and one replied,


I saw the hearse move slowly on,
No wife nor child was there;
They too had flown to heaven's bright home
And left a world of care.

Now, all young men, a warning take,
And shun the poisoned bowl;
'Twill lead you down to hell's dark gate,
And ruin your own soul.