The handsel* received that spoke an omen of times to come
Was quite suitable in its nature and had a definite stink of rum..
The excuse was the need for a certain fortification
To endure the pressures of matrimony and expectations.
But the curse of demon alcohol and its sundry negative effects
Is one of softness, delusion and clouding that causes wrecks
Of automobiles.
But more importantly,
People’s lives.

*(Noun – a gift given for good luck at the beginning of the year or to mark an acquisition or the start of an enterprise.)