Listen, dear ones, to my story, <br />True as sad, and sad as true; <br />'Tis a tale to make you sorry- <br />Show you what vile drink can do. <br /> <br /> <br />'Twas the Sabbath. From my casement <br />Glanced mine eye along the road; <br />Scene I saw of dark debasement- <br />Blush, Oh earth! forgive, Oh God! <br /> <br /> <br />Came a pair of drunkards hoary, <br />Wife and mother named they one: <br />Husband he-ah! shameful story- <br />Father to that sorrowing son; <br /> <br /> <br />Who, when long from home they tarried, <br />Sought and found them, helpless set <br />'Gainst the wall, by turns half carried; <br />Who that saw will e'er forget? <br /> <br /> <br />While he props the helpless mother, <br />Down the father prostrate falls; <br />Stoop'd to him, his name the other <br />Loud in babbling frenzy calls. <br /> <br /> <br />Folks from out the doors came peeping; <br />Curious children gathered round; <br />Shame and grief subdued him: weeping, <br />Down he sat upon the ground. <br /> <br /> <br />Oh those tears! I pray that never <br />May I see the like again; <br />Female lips began to quiver, <br />Children sad and still remain. <br /> <br /> <br />One steps forth from the beholders- <br />Good Samaritan is he- <br />'Friend,' he said, and touched his shoulder, <br />'Help and pity take from me.' <br /> <br /> <br />'Thanks!' he said, and raised his mother, <br />All insensate, on his arm; <br />Bore his unknown friend the other, <br />Shelter'd both from shame and harm. <br /> <br /> <br />Children, are your hearts not burning <br />With a grateful, fervent flame, <br />Ye who ne'er with tears of mourning <br />Watched and wept a parent's shame?<br /><br />Janet Hamilton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-true-story-to-young-abstainers/