Drink in the shade

I'm not thirsty, thank you, old man!

My heart has other cares

besides the bottle!

But you, peaceful and gay,

Drink in the shade by a little ford,

Under an arbour!

You laugh into the pewter cup

And no one can say

For sure,

Seeing your complacent expression,

Who carved the wrinkles or

The laugh lines on your face.

You've never known, even for a day,

The burning wound of love

Mocked!

Or if you did, it was when you were 20

And the wound was scarred over

Years ago!

Old man! I'd give

My black hair and ruddy skin

and my youth

Not to have to suffer any more

And, like you, to drink happily

As I wait to die!