Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE EXTRAVAGANT DRUNKARD'S WISH, by EDWARD WARD First Line: Had I my wish, I would distend my guts Last Line: And settle satan's kingdom ev'rywhere. Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Wishes | ||||||||
HAD I my wish, I would distend my guts As wide as from the north to southern skies, And have at once as many mouths and throats As old Briareus arms, or Argos eyes. The raging sea's unpalatable brine, That drowns so many thousands in a year, I'd turn into an ocean of good wine, And for my cup would choose the hemisphere; Would then perform the wager Xanthus laid, In spite of all the river's flowing streams, Swill till I pissed a deluge, then to bed, And please my thirsty soul with small-beer dreams. Thus drink and sleep and, waking, swill again, Till I had drunk the sea-gods' cellar dry, Then rob the niggard Neptune, and his train Of Tritons, of that wealth they now enjoy; Kiss the whole Nerides and make the jades Sing all their charming songs to please my ear, And whether flesh or fish, thornbacks or maids, I'd make the gypsies kind through love or fear. And when thus wicked and thus wealthy grown, For nothing good, I'd turn rebellious Whig, Pull ev'ry monarch headlong from his throne, And with the Prince of Darkness make a league, That he and I, and all the Whigs beside, Might rend down churches, crowns in pieces tear, Exert our malice, gratify our pride, And settle Satan's kingdom ev'rywhere. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...O TO BE A DRAGON by MARIANNE MOORE FOUNTAIN IN AVIGNON by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR THE HOUR BETWEEN DOG AND WOLF: 1. THE GOOD OGRE'S BEARD by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR I WANT THIS CORNER EMPTY (PERSEPHONE SPEAKING)' by JULIE CARR THE THREE WISHES by BILLY COLLINS A-WISHING WELL by ROBERT FROST A JOURNEY TO HELL: PART 3. THE PARISH POOR-OFFICERS by EDWARD WARD DIALOGUE BETWEEN A SQUEAMISH COTTING MECHANIC AND HIS WIFE by EDWARD WARD |
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