Stretch'd on a heap of straw-his bed!- <br />The dying drunkard lies; <br />His joyless wife supports his head, <br />And to console him tries: <br />His weeping children's love would ease <br />His spirit, but in vain:- <br />Their ill paid love destroys his peace;- <br />He'll never smile again. <br /> <br /> <br />His boon companions-where are they- <br />Who shared his heart and bowl? <br />They come not nigh, to charm away <br />The horrors from his soul. <br />What have gay friends to do with those <br />Who press the couch of pain? <br />And HE is rack'd with mortal throes;- <br />He'll never speak again.<br /><br />John Pierpont<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-dying-drunkard/
