Some people say that our health suffers badly

when we drink too much booze, and our lives will end sadly

with headaches and nausea, shakes, ague and gagging

a blurring of vision and brain function lagging;

A taste in the mouth much like sucking on lemons,

and a general state of delirium tremens.

Sadness and loneliness, ultimate death

would plague us and follow our every breath.

 

But if, they remark, we’d abstain from the liquor

our bodies would heal and we’d feel much less sicker.

Our headaches would leave, and the shaking subside;

the knots in our stomach would soon come untied.

The eyesight’d improve and our nerves would be steady,

our thoughts would be clear and our brains would be ready

to face any problem or conflict or strife.

And enable a happier, healthier life.

 

There’d be much less shouting and slurring and weeping;

imagine the sweetness of clean, sober sleeping!

We’d face all our friends, neighbors, strangers and kin

with sanity, joy – no more shame and chagrin.

Without the debauchery we’ve come to abuse so

there’d be countless hours which we’d get quite used to

of quiet reflection and sensible action;

perhaps even unimpaired, wholesome attraction.

 

These people who say this, they know for a fact

that quitting the bottle will force us to act

in a manner more worthy of upright adults.

It would take but a week and we’d see the results.

If only we’d really quit drinking this time,

we’d see life as beautiful! Truly sublime!

With nothing but temp’rance and clear-headed thinking.

If that’s so, it’s settled!

I’d rather keep drinking.