Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE DESERTER['S MEDITATION] by JOHN PHILPOT CURRAN

Poem Explanation

First Line: IF SADLY THINKING, / WITH [OR, AND] SPIRITS SINKING
Last Line: BEFORE WE GO!
Subject(s): ABANDONMENT; DRINKS & DRINKING; DESERTION; WINE;

If sadly thinking,
And spirits sinking,
Could more than drinking
Our griefs compose --
A cure for sorrow
From care I'd borrow;
And hope tomorrow
Might end my woes.
But since in wailing
There's naught availing,
For Death, unfailing,
Will strike the blow;
Then, for that reason,
And for the season,
Let us be merry
Before we go!
A wayworn ranger,
To joy a stranger,
Through every danger
My course I've run.
Now, death befriending,
His last aid lending,
My griefs are ending,
My woes are done.
No more a rover,
Or hapless lover,
Those cares are over --
"My cup runs low";
Then, for that reason,
And for the season,
Let us be merry
Before we go!




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