Intolerance

 I have no brief for gambling, nay
 The notion I express
That money earned 's the only way
 To pay for happiness.
With cards and dice I do not hold;
 By betting I've been bit:
Conclusion: to get honest gold
 You've got to sweat for it.

Though there be evil in strong drink
 It's brought me heaps of fun;
And now, with some reserve, I think
 My toping days are done.
Though at teetotal cranks I laugh,
 Yet being sound and hale,
I find the best of drinks to quaff
 Is good old Adam's ale.

I do not like your moralist,
 Who with a righteous grin
Informs you o'er a pounding fist:
 "Unchastity is sin."
I don't believe it, but I grant,
 By every human test,
From parson, pimp and maiden aunt,
 Morality is best.

Yet what a bore our lives would be
 If we lived as we should;
It's such a blessing to be free,
 And not be over-good.
I value virtues great and small,
 As I in life advance:
But O the greatest sin of all
 I count--INTOLERANCE.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace