dVerse Tuesday Poetics — Eat, drink, and be merry.*

Eat, drink, and be merry.*

Never decline an invitation to laugh with friends.

The kitchen may need cleaning,
laundry may be piling high,
and deadlines for filing tax returns are near; but

An in-law just passed unexpectedly,
an old co-worker/friend’s now in chemo,
bombs are dropping here and there,
and AI is out to get us, per a new doc.

Bars are still open and still have open mike nights.
Drinking, driving (not concurrently,) are affordable,
and tables that seat a dozen haven’t been burned
yet. Our friends are back from warm places, ready
to share stories, music, and laughter. We can use
them to fill despondent empty spaces with color.
May our bonhomie welcome them home tonight.

Never decline an invitation to laugh with friends.

 

*Note: FromNo Sweat Shakespeare: The Greek philosopher Epicurus promoted the philosophy of living life to its fullest extent. In his philosophy, the path to true happiness lay in the pursuit of pleasure. The English idiom “eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die.” is often ascribed to Epicurus…

The closest in wording to “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die” comes from 1 Corinthians 15:32.

Dora is today’s host of dVerse’ Poetics Tuesday. Dora says:
Your Poetics prompt? Use at least one line in the imperative mood in your poem. 

48 Comments Add yours

  1. Truedessa's avatar Truedessa says:

    That is one invitation I would not decline – life is short and we need to enjoy special times with friends and laughter is so uplifting. Love this one…

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      True, I’m glad you love the idea :)

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Unknown's avatar Anonymous says:

    “Party hardy, rock n roll, drink a fifth, smoke a bowl”….a friend of mine left this quote in my HS yearbook back in the day. Your poem’s sentiment reminded me of that. i loved it, there’s nothing that can’t wait when a friend’s invitation has arrived…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Sounds good to me!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. subversopus's avatar subversopus says:

    “Party hardy, rock n roll, drink a fifth, smoke a bowl”….a friend of mine left this quote in my HS yearbook back in the day. Your poem’s sentiment reminded me of that. i loved it, there’s nothing that can’t wait when a friend’s invitation has arrived…

    Liked by 2 people

  4. rothpoetry's avatar rothpoetry says:

    I really like your opening and closing lines.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Dwight, thanks!

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Dora's avatar Dora says:

    This is an instruction that should be easy to follow, but you show with examples how we throw obstacles in front of it —and how not to! Our world has such need of the “bonhomie” you prescribe, Li. May we “never decline an invitation to laugh with friends.” 🤗❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Dora, I appreciate your feedback, thanks.

      Liked by 2 people

  6. Thanks for recommending The Long Game, as I thoroughly enjoyed that, Lisa.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      You are welcome. Glad you had a chance to see it and liked it. It has such a good message in it.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Great story, good acting, enjoyable music and the message that showed how Mexican American Americans had to face such horrible discrimination from bigots really sunk in.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

          Yes. And let’s be honest, how they are still being actively harassed and hunted.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Especially by ICE agents.

            Liked by 1 person

  7. Gillena Cox's avatar Gillena Cox says:

    yes indeed

    much love

    Liked by 2 people

  8. lifelessons's avatar lifelessons says:

    Sound advice, Lisa.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks, Judy!

      Like

  9. jaerose37's avatar jaerose37 says:

    I love your message – so important to keep room for laughter – Jae

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Jae, thanks, yes, it is.

      Like

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thank you, Rohitash.

      Like

  10. That not concurrently had me laugh out loud.

    The world is on fire, so let’s dance

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      :) Steve, I’m about at that point. How did Nero end, btw?

      Liked by 1 person

      1. What an artist dies in me!

        Liked by 1 person

          1. Nero’s last words I believe

            Liked by 1 person

            1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

              omg. Do you think they would be fitting for the faux-king orange one?

              Liked by 1 person

              1. Try

                “I’ve wasted so much”

                Liked by 1 person

                1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

                  You are too kind, Steve.

                  Like

  11. kim881's avatar kim881 says:

    I like the circularity of your poem, Lisa, the repetition of ‘Never decline an invitation to laugh with friends’, which is perfect advice I wish I could follow, but all my friends live miles away. I will try harder.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Thanks, Kim. Sometimes meeting them halfway can be fun. Hope you and they manage to connect <3

      Liked by 2 people

  12. Another beautiful image. It’s exactly the kind of glass I want to pick up. 😊🥂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      It’s a beauty isn’t it. Cheers!

      Liked by 2 people

  13. pvcann's avatar pvcann says:

    I love the reflective nature of the voice.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Paul, thanks!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. pvcann's avatar pvcann says:

        My pleasure Li❤️

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Pradeep's avatar Pradeep says:

    It is all about being in the present and making the most of it.
    – Pradeep / https://bpradeepnair.blogspot.com

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Exactly, Pradeep.

      Like

  15. erbiage's avatar erbiage says:

    what can i say beyond i agree!

    Liked by 1 person

  16. memadtwo's avatar memadtwo says:

    That is good advice. (K)

    Liked by 1 person

  17. This resonated deeply with me, Li. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar Lisa or Li says:

      Punam, I’m happy to hear it <3

      Liked by 1 person

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