Subject
Temperance -- Poetry Books
Best books
George M. (George Melville) Baker
An Old Man's Prayer
"An Old Man's Prayer" by George M. Baker is a moralistic poem written in the late 19th century. This work takes the form of a narrative that conveys a cautionary tale about the dangers of alcohol, exploring themes of loss, regret, and redemption. The likely topic centers on the old man's heartfelt plea to a group of young men to avoid the pitfalls of drinking, drawing from his own painful experiences. In the story, an elderly man intrudes on a festive gathering of young men celebrating one of their own who is about to leave for war. He shares his tragic tale of wealth turned to loss due to the curse of alcoholism, which claimed the lives of his three sons—one who succumbed to drinking, another who died at sea after excess, and a third who became a soldier. As he tells his story, he implores the young men to shun the temptations of alcohol, culminating in a powerful moment when one brave soldier takes a stand to reject wine in favor of pure water. The poem poignantly closes with the hopeful imagery of young men marching off to battle, armed not just with weapons, but with the protective shield of temperance instilled by the old man's prayer.
George Warwick
Schneider Von Groot's Christmas dream
"Schneider Von Groot's Christmas Dream" by George Warwick is a charming poem that falls under the category of festive literature, likely written in the late 19th century. The book explores themes of indulgence and redemption during the Christmas season, encapsulating the spirit of holiday cheer intertwined with a cautionary tale about the perils of excessive drinking. The narrative follows Schneider Von Groot, a jovial character who indulges in drinking on Christmas Eve. As he drifts into a fantastical dream, he encounters whimsical elves and mischievous demons that fight in a chaotic battle fueled by schnapps. Through his dream journey, he witnesses the destructive consequences of overindulgence, leading to a transformative experience when an angel offers him a purer drink that symbolizes clarity and sobriety. Ultimately, upon awakening, he resolves to abandon schnapps for good, embracing a new life filled with joy and family, marked by the lessons learned from his dream.
G. J. (Gustaf John) Ramstedt
Raittius-runoja : $b Valikoima raittiusasiaa käsitteleviä runoelmia
"Raittius-runoja: Valikoima raittiusasiaa käsitteleviä runoelmia" by G. J. Ramstedt is a collection of poems written in the late 19th century. The book addresses the theme of temperance and the social consequences of alcoholism, aiming to raise awareness and encourage sobriety among its readers. Through a series of poignant verses, Ramstedt explores the hardships and tragedies caused by alcohol abuse within society. The content of the book is a reflective and emotive discourse on the perils of drinking, portraying harrowing scenes of families torn apart by addiction and the pervasive sorrow that accompanies it. Each poem serves as a call to action, urging individuals to recognize the destructive nature of alcohol and to strive for a life of virtue and sobriety. Ramstedt employs vivid imagery and moral exhortation, presenting a vision of hope for personal renewal and collective betterment through a commitment to temperance. Throughout the collection, readers encounter compelling depictions of the struggles faced by those ensnared by alcohol, alongside a reminder of the strength found in community and faith.
Em. Tamminen
Raittiutta runoissa I-II: Raittiuskokouksissa lausuttavaksi ja kotona luettavaksi
"Raittiutta runoissa I-II: Raittiuskokouksissa lausuttavaksi ja kotona luettavaksi" is a collection of poems written in the late 19th century. This work, attributed to authors Em. Tamminen (Part I) and Juho Hellman (Part II), focuses on themes of sobriety and the dangers of alcohol, reflecting a broader social movement for temperance during that time. The collection includes original poems, adaptations, translations, and humorous verses aimed at promoting the principles of teetotalism and raising awareness about the negative effects of alcoholism. The opening of the collection features several poems that highlight the struggles against alcohol, invoking strong imagery of battles against the evils of drunkenness. The authors employ passionate language to rally the reader's sentiments, suggesting that the fight against alcohol is a moral and spiritual crusade. In these initial verses, the tone oscillates between fervent denunciations of drinking and the promise of redemption through sobriety, appealing to both the heart and conscience of the audience.
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