Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A DRUNKEN MAN'S PRAISE OF SOBRIETY by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS

Poet Analysis

First Line: COME SWISH AROUND MY PETTY PUNK
Last Line: And all dead men are drunk
Subject(s): ALCOHOL & ALCOHOLICS;
Come swish around, my pretty punk,
And keep me dancing still
That I may stay a sober man
Although I drink my fill.

Sobriety is a jewel
That I do much adore;
And therefore keep me dancing
Though drunkards lie and snore.
O mind your feet, O mind your feet,
Keep dancing like a wave,
And under every dancer
A dead man in his grave.
No ups and downs, my pretty,
A mermaid, not a punk;
A drunkard is a dead man,
And all dead men are drunk.



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