Pray tell, why drown in ale

Keep your mug down slowly, it's full

For the ale will spill, and never should one waste

Such goodness of golden yellow in carelessness

Let every drop mix into the blood once consumed

You watch yourself, settle the mug down slow. You think of her and you drinking on one of those random days

You miss those though, don't you?

Keep your mug down a tad slow, it's halfway through

The ale has worked its magic, and made your head mellow

As you speak of her, your tones do seem to enchant yourself but it is all banter to the rest

So maybe talk of something else, but I doubt you can ever do that post drinking

You are lost in her thoughts, aren't you?

You hurry your empty mug down from the lips

You need more ale, for you have ignited what lies dormant and lies to you of normalcy

Your eyes seem hollow, yet it isn't drowsiness or the slurring of your speech that matters

It's her absence, you hold your own hand and twist your wrongs as if to make sense

It makes none, don't we know friend?

You mind always drifts to her thoughts, don't you too?

And then we go home, we think of you drunk as a kite

And the ale shall always make us all spite

Yet we gather and drink, like friends

You , me, the random strangers who join us at the table

You speak to them like old time friends

How do they even distinguish you from who they have known they are drunk too

While you seem to be dead inside, aren't you?

## Analysis of "Pray tell, why drown in ale?"

**Theme:** The poem explores the theme of grief and the use of alcohol to cope with loss. The speaker, presumably a man, drowns his sorrows in ale, constantly reminded of a woman he misses dearly.

**Structure:**

* The poem utilizes three stanzas, each focusing on a different stage of the speaker's drinking experience.

* Each stanza starts with an imperative, "Keep your mug down..." slowing down as the inebriation progresses. 

* The speaker drifts between internal monologue and addressing an unknown listener, possibly another patron or a reflection of himself.

**Imagery:**

* **Ale:** The central image is the ale, symbolizing a temporary escape but ultimately failing to numb the pain. 

* **Golden yellow:** This color choice for the ale suggests a fleeting warmth and happiness, contrasting with the emptiness the speaker feels.

* **Hollow eyes:** This image portrays the speaker's emotional detachment despite the outward appearance of conversation.

**Techniques:**

* **Repetition:** The repeated phrase "You miss those though, don't you?" and "Your mind always drifts to her thoughts, don't you too?" emphasizes the constant intrusion of the lost love.

* **Rhetorical questions:** The questions posed to the speaker and the listener ("don't we know friend?") create a sense of shared understanding and resignation.

* **Shifting perspectives:** The poem switches between the speaker's internal thoughts and an outside observer's view ("we think of you drunk as a kite").

**Overall Tone:**

* The poem is melancholic and introspective. 

* The speaker's attempt to find solace in drinking ultimately leads to a deeper sense of loss and isolation. 

* There's a hint of bitterness towards the ale, symbolized by "the ale shall always make us all spite."

**Possible Interpretations:**

* The woman could be a former lover, wife, or close friend. 

* The poem suggests a sense of guilt or regret ("twist your wrongs as if to make sense").

* Despite the outward camaraderie with fellow drinkers, the speaker remains emotionally distant ("dead inside").

**In conclusion, "Pray tell, why drown in ale?" paints a poignant picture of grief and the futile attempt to drown it in alcohol. The poem uses simple language and imagery to deliver a powerful message about the enduring nature of loss.**