What I Have Seen #1

I saw a mother give wine to her boy- The rain-drops fall and fall: The pride of his parents, a household joy, A mother's blessing, her all. I saw the cheek of the youth grow red- The rain falls over the lea: The light of his eye shone like jewels, they said: It spoke of ruin to me. I saw the youth drink again and again- The rain falls heavy and fast: I saw the mother's brow furrowed with pain, She was reaping her harvest at last. I saw the youth go staggering by- The rain-drops beat and beat: Dulled was the light of his beautiful eye; I saw him fall in the street. I heard the rabble cry, 'Shame! oh! shame!' The rain-drops sob and sob: I heard the drunkard's once-honored name Shouted aloud by the mob. I saw the youth carried home to his door- The rain-drops sob and sigh: Saw the friends shun him, who sought him before, Saw him sink lower, and die. I saw the stone that bore only his name- The rain-drops mutter and rave: I saw the mother with sorrow and shame Bowed to the brink of the grave.