From The Seattle Star, May 8, 1913.
(Acknowledgements to Jack London)
He’s just around the corner
He’s just across the street
His voice is warm and comradely
His words are soft and sweet.
He poses as ADVENTURE
All debonair and brave
Though all the deeds of Barleycorn
Lead only to the grave.
He comes to you with laughter
He comes to you with song
With soothing lies to trick the weak
And glamour for the strong.
Along the road that you must tread
Wherever you may fare
At every turn or resting place
John Barleycorn is there!
He masquerades as valor
He swaggers as romance
And down the road of broken hopes
He leads the merry dance.
His eyes are red and gloating
There’s poison on his breath
For call him any name you will
John Barleycorn is death.