Dithyramb

Greek Verse, the beginnings.

Dithyramb is a genre of “frenzied” lyric in praise of wine and revelry. It is named for the god of revelry Dionysus. The dithyramb was originally composed to be sung by a chorus. The frame is at the discretion of the poet although the theme should be fitting with the history of the genre. Alternating verse and chorus are often used and it is common to find the genre written in Anacreontic Couplets.

Alexander’s Feast by John Dryden (1639–1701) Chorus III
Bacchus’ blessings are a treasure,
Drinking is the soldier’s pleasure:
Rich the treasure,
Sweet the pleasure,
Sweet is pleasure after pain.

Pasted from http://www.poetrymagnumopus.com/index.php?showtopic=1248\
My thanks to Judi Van Gorder for years of work on this fine PMO resource.

Liberty Port (Dithyramb)

When navy ships pull into port
All the bars receive support
For sailors drink and then cavort –
If lucky, a female escort.

Despite orders to comport
themselves as a descent sort
a fond delight in drinking
suppresses normal thinking
and many end up on report.

So heft that mug
and take a toke
we’ll chug-a-lug
until we’re broke.

© Lawrencealot – December 3, 2014

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