Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DRINKING SONG (4) by ALCAEUS OF MYTILENE

First Line: SOAK YOUR LUNGS WITH WINE, FOR NOW
Last Line: WITHERS HEADS AND KNEES.
Subject(s): DRINKS & DRINKING; WINE;

Soak your lungs with wine, for now
The Dog Star's at the turn.
How the summer wounds, and how
All must thirst and burn.

In the bushes, strong and clear
Now the cricket sings,
And sweet music fills the air
From beneath his wings.

Now is all the earth at song
In the summer's fire,
And the girasole is strong.
Now does wild desire

Make the girls most amorous.
But the men won't please;
For the fire of Sirius
Withers heads and knees.



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