Get Drunk

Get Drunk

One should always be drunk.
That's all that matters; that's our
one imperative need.
So as not to feel Time's horrible burden.
One which breaks your shoulders
and bows you down,
you must get drunk without cease.

But with what?
With wine, poetry, or virtue
as you chose.
But get drunk.

And if, at some time, on steps of a palace,
in the green grass of a ditch, in the bleak
solitude of your room,
you are waking and the drunkenness has
already abated,
ask the wind, the wave, the stars, the clock,

All that which flees,
All that which groans,
All that which rolls,
All that which sings,
All that which speaks,
Ask them, what time it is,

And the wind, the wave, the stars, the birds,
and the clock, they will all reply:
"It is time to get drunk! So that you may not be
the martyred slaves of Time,
Get drunk, get drunk,
And never pause for rest!

With wine, poetry, or virtue,
As you choose!                                       Charles Beaudalaire

With thanks to Mr. Coggins who sent this out over school email with nary a thought of the possible ramifications of sending out an email with that header.  Makes me think that the great poets were quite un politically correct, which we should all aspire to.