Unknown

My coworker Leah's dad wrote poetry. He was an unknown poet to anyone other than his family (and now you!). He was born in June of 1921 and probably wrote this poem sometime in the 40's. She said he also wrote a poem about what would have happened if World War II was fought by the super hero's from comic strips in that day. EPIC! She doesn't have that poem, or I would have begged to share it, but enjoy this instead =o)

Sometimes, oh pal, in the morning,
  When the dawn is cold and grey;
I lay in perfumed feathers,
  Think thoughts, I dare not say.
When I think of the stunts,
  Of the night before…
And smile a feeble smile.
I say to myself for the hundredth time,
  “Was it really worth the while?”
Then I pick up the morning paper
  And see where some saintly man,
Who was never soused in all his life
  Or never said, hell or damn,
  Or never stayed out in the wee small hours,
  Nor jollied the gay brunette;
But always preached on evil thoughts,
  Such as drinks and cigarettes.
But the saintly man is forgotten soon,
  The same as you and I.
They bury him deep,
  While few friends weep,
And the world goes on with a sigh.
So, I say drink, oh pal, be merry,
  For tomorrow you may die
                   
                -George R. Asbury (circa 1940)