Awake! awake! and take the pledge, <br />Without a fear or doubt! <br />'T will weave around your heart a hedge, <br />To keep the demon out; <br />'T will wake a thrill of heavenly joy <br />In her who weeps at home; <br />And laughing girl and prattling boy <br />Will smile to see you come. <br /> <br /> <br />O, take the pledge and break the cup <br />That poisons all the land! <br />'T will sweetly come and raise you up, <br />Where Honor waves her hand; <br />'T will wipe contempt and scorn away, <br />Which all that knew ye bore, <br />Till ye become beloved as they, <br />And ye are brutes no more. <br /> <br /> <br />O, take the pledge, poor, trembling sot! <br />Dash down the poisonous wave! <br />Ye see the dreadful path you've got <br />To travel to the grave. <br />Come joyful up: there's hope, there's bliss, <br />And blessings yet in store, <br />Even in a checkered world like this, <br />If you will drink no more. <br /> <br /> <br />O, take the pledge, all ye that think <br />Of moderate cups to-day! <br />For ye may win the sot from drink <br />If ye but lead the way. <br />'T will be a sweet and thrilling thought, <br />As on through life you go, <br />That one poor wretch was timely caught, <br />And snatched from shame and wo. <br /> <br /> <br />O, take the pledge, all ye that sell <br />This poison of the soul! <br />What good ye'll do, no tongue can tell, <br />By dashing down the bowl. <br />The drunkard's wife, with tears of joy, <br />Will bless you morn and even; <br />And lovely girl and happy boy <br />Will lisp your name to Heaven. <br /> <br /> <br />O, take the pledge, both old and young- <br />The resolution seal! <br />It would require an angel's tongue <br />To tell the joy ye 'll feel. <br />Your heart will then the deed approve, <br />Though grovelling sense should frown; <br />And God himself will bend in love, <br />And send a blessing down.<br /><br />John Pierpont<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/awake-awake-take-the-pledge/
