Memory Of The Past Poem by John Pierpont

Can we forget the gloomy time,
When Bacchus ruled the day,-
When dissipation, sloth and crime,
Bore undisputed sway?
The time-the time-the gloomy time
The time has passed away,
When dissipation, sloth, and crime,
Bore undisputed sway.


Can we forget the tender wives,
Who found an early tomb?
For, ah! the partners of their lives
Had met the drunkard's doom.
The wives-the wives-the tender wives
May bid adieu to gloom;
For now the partners of their lives
Abhor the drunkard's doom.


We'll ne'er forget that noble band,
Who feared no creature's frown,
And boldly pledged both heart and hand
To put intemperance down.
The band-the band-the noble band-
The band of blest renown-
Who boldly pledged both heart and hand
To put intemperance down.


Nor shall the Pledge be e'er forgot,
That so much bliss creates-
We'll touch not-taste not-handle not,
Whate'er intoxicates.
The Pledge-the Pledge is not forgot-
The pledge that Satan hates;
We'll touch not-taste not-handle not,
Whate'er intoxicates.