Classic and Contemporary Poetry
WINE AND DEATH, by PIERRE DE RONSARD Poet's Biography First Line: On tender grass, 'neath a laurel-tree Last Line: Who saves his goods for his heirs! Subject(s): Death; Drinks & Drinking; Life; Dead, The; Wine | ||||||||
ON tender grass, 'neath a laurel-tree, Who listeth to lie and drink with me? Boy-Cupid shall come, and girding up His light-blown robe with a hempen string, Or flax, to his naked loins, shall bring The wine, and bear my cup. The life of man is a fleeting breath, From day to day it evanisheth Like hurrying waves that break on the shore. Death's hour comes on . . . and our tomb shall keep Nothing of us, save a nameless heap Of little bones -- no more. I care not for custom, that bids perfume With spices and balm my new-made tomb, And pour sweet odors, and incense shed. But while I'm living, it is my will To bathe in fragrance, and drink my fill, And crown with flowers my head. I'll name myself for my heir, I vow, And spend the heritage here and now! Who lives for others seeks foolish cares. Mad is the pelican, pouring free Her blood for her children. Mad is he Who saves his goods for his heirs! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A CUP OF TREMBLINGS by JOHN HOLLANDER VINTAGE ABSENCE by JOHN HOLLANDER SENT WITH A BOTTLE OF BURGUNDY FOR A BIRTHDAY by JOHN HOLLANDER TO A CIVIL SERVANT by EDMUND JOHN ARMSTRONG WINE by FRIEDRICH MARTIN VON BODENSTEDT THE GOOD FELLOW by ALEXANDER BROME WHEN A WOMAN LOVES A MAN by DAVID LEHMAN RETURN OF SPRING by PIERRE DE RONSARD |
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