THE thirsty earth soaks up the rain, And drinks, and gapes for drink again. The plants suck in the earth, and are With constant drinking fresh and fair; The sea itself--which one would think Should have but little need of drink-- Drinks ten thousand rivers up, So filled that they o'erflow the cup. The busy sun--and one would guess By's drunken fiery face no less-- Drinks up the sea, and when he's done, The moon and stars drink up the sun; They drink and dance by their own light They drink and revel all the night. Nothing in nature's sober found, But an eternal health goes round, Fill up the bowl then, fill it high, Fill up the glasses there; for why Should every creature drink but I; Why, man of morals, tell me why? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LOON ON FORRESTER'S POND by HAYDEN CARRUTH THE UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE by JAMES GALVIN BROTHERHOOD by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON EVENTIDE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON PICKING AND CHOOSING by MARIANNE MOORE |