Do you see this cup, this tempting cup,
Its sparkle and its glow?
I tell you this cup has brought to me
A world of shame and woe.
Do you see that woman sad and wan?
One day with joy and pride,
With orange blossoms in her hair,
I claimed her as my bride.
And vowed that I would faithful prove
Till death our lives should part;
I've drenched her soul with floods of grief,
And almost crushed her heart.
Do you see that grayp;haired mother bend
Beneath her weight of years?
I've filled that aged mother's eyes
With many bitter tears.
Year after year for me she prays,
And tries her child to save;
I've almost brought her gray hairs down
In sorrow to the grave.
Do you see that boy whose wistful eyes
Are gazing on my face?
I've overshadowed his young life
With sorrow and disgrace.
He used to greet me with a smile,
His heart was light and glad;
I've seen him tremble at my voice,
I've made that heart so sad.
Do you see this pledge I've signed to-night?
My mother, wife, and boy
Shall read my purpose on that pledge
And smile through tears of joy.
To know this night, this very night,
I cast the winep;cup down,
And from the dust of a sinful life
Lift up my manhood's crown.
The faded face of my young wife
With roses yet shall bloom,
And joy shall light my mother's eyes
On the margin of the tomb.
I have vowed top;night my only boy,
With brow so fair and mile,
Shall not be taunted on the streets,
And called a drunkard's child.
Never again shall that young face
Whiten with grief and dread,
Because I've madly staggered home
And sold for drink his bread.
This strong right arm unnerved by rum
Shall battle with my fate;
And peace and comfort crown the home
By drink made desolate.
Like a drowning man, tempestp;tossed,
Clings to a rocky ledge,
With trembling hands I've learned to grasp
The gospel and the pledge.
A captive bounding from my chain,
I've rent each hateful band,
And by the help of grace divine
A victor hope to stand.
Back to Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
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Comments3Just came across this beautiful piece of poetry!! 😍 It really spoke to me about the struggles of addiction and the importance of breaking free from it. The poet made me feel the pain and sorrow of the individuals involved, but also the hope of redemption. It's a great reminder to cherish our loved ones and not let harmful habits destroy our relationships. So touching! 😢💕
I appreciate the theme this poem brings to light, addressing the devastating effects that addiction has not only on the individual, but also on their loved ones. However, I couldn't help but feel that the overall message was slightly overdone. Maybe it's just me, but I found the imagery to be quite heavy-handed. I understand the intention, but a subtler approach might have made a deeper impact on me. However, the poet's skill with words and the strong emotions evoked can't be denied - sadly, it just didn't resonate with my personal taste in poetry.
I haven't seen this poem in years! The lines "Do you see that gray-haired mother bend beneath her weight of years? I've filled that aged mother's eyes with many bitter tears" really reminds us that our mistakes don't just affect us, they often hurt those who love us most. Though sad, it's undeniably powerful and evokes profound emotions. It was deeply moving to revisit it as an adult, seeing it through a different lens.