Could man be drunk for ever

by Alfred Edward Housman — a poem card from Justes Mots

A brief reflection on the human condition, lamenting soberness and thoughtfulness as sources of pain. The speaker wishes for perpetual intoxication to avoid the sorrow of self-awareness. Captures the existential tension between escape and consciousness.

Could man be drunk for ever
With liquor, love, or fights,
Lief should I rouse at morning
And lief lie down of nights.

But men at whiles are sober
And think by fits and starts,
And if they think, they fasten…

Themes: sympathy · grief · encouragement · reflection