The Poetry Corner

Ballade Of The Absent Guest

By Richard Le Gallienne

Friends whom to-night once more I greet, Most glad am I with you to be, And, as I look around, I meet Many a face right good to see; But one I miss - ah! where is he? - Of merry eye and sparkling jest, Who used to brim my glass for me; I drink - in what? - the Absent Guest. Low lies he in his winding-sheet, By organized hypocrisy Hurled from his happy wine-clad seat, Stilled his kind heart and hushed his glee; His very name daren't mention we, That good old friend who brought such zest, And set our tongues and spirits free: I drink - in what? - the Absent Guest. No choice to-night 'twixt "dry" or "sweet," 'Twixt red or white, 'twixt Rye, - ah! me - Or Scotch - and think! we live to see't - No whispered word, nor massive fee, Nor even influenza plea, Can raise a bubble; but, as best We may, we make our hollow spree: I drink - in what? - the Absent Guest. ENVOI Friends, good is coffee, good is tea, And water has a charm unguessed - And yet - that brave old deity! I drink - in tears - the Absent Guest.