Whose mouth

Was on the tankard

In the tavern

Weeks

Days

Hours
Before I

Took my

First drink?

Yes, it has been

Washed

Steamed and

Scalded.

It is not

Germs

That concern me.

But who were

The lads and ladies

Who have shared

This

Self-same tankard?

What were they doing?

What were they planning?

Where were they going?

Of whom did they ponder,

As they sipped in thought

Or riotous laughter?

Hopes

Dreams

Worries

Fears

A belief in God

Or worship of Satan

The love of life

A desire for death
~ DE B.A UE