Author: Madison Julius Cawein

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    Let us mix a cup of Joy
    That the wretched may employ,
    Whom the Fates have made their toy.

    Who have given brain and heart
    To the thankless world of Art,
    And from Fame have won no part.

    Who have labored long at thought;
    Starved and toiled and all for naught;
    Sought and found not what they sought.

    Let our goblet be the skull
    Of a fool; made beautiful
    With a gold nor base nor dull:

    Gold of madcap fancies, once
    It contained, that, sage or dunce,
    Each can read whoever runs.

    First we pour the liquid light
    Of our dreams in; then the bright
    Beauty that makes day of night.

    Let this be the must wherefrom,
    In due time, the mettlesome
    Care-destroying drink shall come.

    Folly next: with which mix in
    Laughter of a child of sin,
    And the red of mouth and chin.

    These shall give the tang thereto,
    Effervescence and rich hue
    Which to all good wine are due.

    Then into our cup we press
    One wild kiss of wantonness,
    And a glance that says not less.

    Sparkles both that give a fine
    Lustre to the drink divine,
    Necessary to good wine.

    Lastly in the goblet goes
    Sweet a love-song, then a rose
    Warmed upon her breast's repose.

    These bouquet our drink. Now measure
    With your arm the waist you treasure
    Lift the cup and,"Here's to Pleasure!"

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem is framed in the tradition of the carpe diem or "seize the day" trope, but its perspective is more nuanced, focusing on the plight of the unrecognized artist. The tone is one of melancholic celebration, exhorting the "wretched" to find joy in their unappreciated labor. It's a toast to the underappreciated, the dreamers who toil without recognition, and the romantics who see the beauty in the everyday.

Structurally, the poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, creating a rhythm and pace that enhances the celebratory tone. The poet employs vivid imagery and metaphor, using the preparation of a drink as an allegory for creating and savoring life's experiences. A notable literary device is the personification of the drink, which is imbued with qualities such as folly, laughter, wantonness, and love. The use of these attributes paints a picture of a life lived with passion, despite the absence of external recognition or reward.

The poem also draws interesting parallels between the creation of art and the making of wine, with both processes requiring time, patience, and a touch of the divine. The final stanza is a call to action, a reminder to cherish the moment, savor the beauty of life, and raise a toast to pleasure. Overall, it's a poignant exploration of the artist's reality, the often unacknowledged struggle, and the joy found in creation for its own sake.