Drinking Beer

"He who belittles his neighbour lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent". (Proverbs, chapter 11, verse 12).
"Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler; and whoever is led astray by it is not wise," (Proverbs, chapter 20, verse 1).

Drinking beer can be cheerful,

slurping away and sinking a skin-full,

parading the past with a therapeutic laugh

at what has been most painful.

 

But people can become concerned

when what’s been said is out of turn:

they lose self-worth, take days off work,

sit alone, embittered, interned.

 

Drinking beer can be cheerful,

slurping away and boffing a brimful;

but quaff and laugh with a warm heart:

if you sup on the past be careful.

 

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