poetry texts, poem archive at plagiarist.com

Read more poems by Robert Service: Robert Service Poems at Poetry X.

I would rather drink than eat,
         And though I superbly sup,
Food, I feel, can never beat
         Delectation of the cup.
Wine it is that crowns the feast;
         Fish and fowl and fancy meat
Are of my delight the least:
         I would rather drink than eat.
         
Though no Puritan I be,
         And have doubts of Kingdom Come,
With those fellows I agree
         Who deplore the Demon Rum.
Gin and brandy I decline,
         And I shy at whisky neat;
But give me rare vintage wine,--
         Gad! I'd rather drink than eat.

Food surfeit is of the beast;
         Wine is from the gods a gift.
All from prostitute to priest
         Can attest to its uplift.
Green and garnet glows the vine;
         Grapes grow plump in happy heat;
Gold and ruby winks the wine . . .
         Come! Let's rather drink than eat.

Added: 25 Mar 2002 | Last Read: 21 Jun 2018 7:47 AM | Viewed: 4844 times

A PoetryNotes™ Analysis of Wine Bibber by Robert Service, is Available!

A PoetryNotes™ eBook is available for this poem for delivery within 24 hours, and usually available within minutes during normal business hours.

ON SALE - only $29.95 19.95!

For more information...