Re: Drunk at the monastery

[Athanasius]

What’s happening here?

When questing Acolyte or puzzled Scribe
Is answered in a harsh, sarcastic jibe,
Perchance he liquid solace doth imbibe.

The careless insult (consequence unthunk
By the insulter) goads the sorry monk
To drown his sorrows, and anon — he’s drunk.

But only junior monks abuse libation:
For ev’ry Friar, at his graduation,
Embraces the ideal of Moderation.

© 2012