Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE PORT OF REFUGE, by R. VON MUHLER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PORT OF REFUGE, by                    
First Line: Out of the grog-shop, I've stepped in the street
Last Line: I shall go back there, and stop for the night.
Alternate Author Name(s): German
Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics


Out of the grog-shop, I've stepped in the street.
Road, what's the matter? you're loose on your feet;
Staggering, swaggering, reeling about,
Road, you're in liquor, past question or doubt.

Gas-lamps, be quiet—stand up, if you please.
What the deuce ails you? you're weak in the knees:
Some on your heads—in the gutter, some sunk—
Gas-lamps, I see it, you're all of you drunk.

Angels and ministers! look at the moon—
Shining up there like a paper balloon,
Winking like mad at me: Moon, I'm afraid—
Now I'm convinced—Oh! you tipsy old jade.

Here's a phenomenon: look at the stars—
Jupiter, Ceres, Uranus and Mars,
Dancing quadrilles, capered, shuffled, and hopped.
Heavenly bodies! this ought to be stopped.

Down come the houses! each drunk as a king—
Can't say I fancy much this sort of thing;
Inside the bar, it was safe and all right,
I shall go back there, and stop for the night.





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