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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE LAST WAVE (BEFORE PROHIBITION), by WILLIAM A. PHELON
First Line: In solid ranks the bottles stood
Last Line: The final wave had surged and passed!
Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Drinks & Drinking; Temperance; Wine; Prohibition
First Line: In solid ranks the bottles stood
Last Line: The final wave had surged and passed!
Subject(s): Alcoholism & Alcoholics; Drinks & Drinking; Temperance; Wine; Prohibition
IN SOLID ranks the bottles stood,
Backed by the labels, "From the wood"—
The clink of glassware pleased the ear,
The flashing colors brought good cheer—
Up from the cellar—heavy task—
The porters hustled keg and cask,
While eager thirsts, in dense array,
Pressed forward for the final day—
Last day when anyone could steep
Himself in joy, with prices cheap!
They came—with money in the hand—
To purchase each some favorite brand—
They went—the setting sun gleamed on
Flask, bottle, jug and demi-john,
While the procession hit the trail,
Plus heavy loads and minus kale!
With lowering brows each angered "dry"
Saw the parade pass mocking by,
And then smiled grimly—for they knew
A few short months—'twill all be through—
'Twill be all gone—there'll be no more,
And thirsty ones in vain may roar!
Night came—the tax went on at last—
The final wave had surged and passed!
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