THE BOOZE BAR

A bar to heaven, a door to hell,
Whoever named it, named it well.
A bar to manliness and wealth,
A door to want and broken health.
A bar to honor, pride and fame,
A door to want and grief and shame.
A bar to hope, a bar to prayer,
A bar to darkness and despair.
A bar to honored, useful life,
A bar to brawling, senseless strife.
A bar to all that's true and brave,
A bar to every drunkard's grave.
A bar to joy that home imparts,
A door to tears and aching hearts.
A bar to heaven, a door to hell,
Whoever named it, named it well.

(Unknown)