Thy Sorry State May Soon Be Descried

A Parody of Sir Philip Sidney's Sonnet 31 from Astrophel and Stella


With wobbly steps, O Youth, thou climb'st the stairs!
How clumsily and with how red a face!
What! Dost thou trip and fall about the place
and pray thy folks sleep soundly, unawares?

Perhaps thy little brother who now sees
thee fall can be persuaded not to race
and broadcast to the house thy plunge from grace.
Thou could'st bribe him with money and say "PLEASE!"

Whil'st thou cling to the handrail, bleary-eyed,
now in thy shameful state, O Youth, pray tell
are friends thou partied with, like thee, unwell— 
in fear, lest their condition be descried?

Those youth who guzzle beer in lieu of milk
will bring ignominy on all their ilk.


May 9, 2015
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Poteet Avatar
June 21, 2017 at 7:41 PM
Well =said, Janice. Great characterization of a teen drunk. He is to be pitied; great parody line too. Congratulations on your fine win in rob's contest.
Canerdy Avatar
June 21, 2017 at 8:47 PM
Thanks so much, Reason! Janice
Carmack Avatar
June 21, 2017 at 12:43 AM
Janice - I love this. Well done and congrats.
Canerdy Avatar
June 21, 2017 at 10:47 AM
Thank you for sponsoring the contest and for placing my poem so high! Janice
Canerdy Avatar
June 21, 2017 at 9:16 AM
Thanks so much, Rob! Janice
Marcum Wong Avatar
May 9, 2017 at 2:22 PM
This is a fantastic entry Janice. It is sure to do well. : ) 7
Canerdy Avatar
May 9, 2017 at 3:26 PM
Thank you so much, Connie! Janice
Onclaud Avatar
May 9, 2017 at 1:22 PM
love the wit that spills from your ink, janice... ohh the folly of youth! methinks this is so fine, janice.. thanks for making it in your contest.. huggs
Canerdy Avatar
May 9, 2017 at 3:27 PM
Thanks so much for your kind words, Nette. Your contest poem was great--as are all your poems. Judging a contest is REALLY hard; there's so much talent on this site! Janice
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