Whisky, often regarded as the drink of connoisseurs and the choice of those who seek warmth and wisdom, has also found a significant place in poetry. While it can evoke deep reflections, many poets have chosen to approach this beloved spirit with humor, wit, and a touch of whimsy. The result? A collection of funny and clever poems that both celebrate and poke fun at whisky culture. In this article, we’ll explore 13 humorous poems that showcase whisky’s lighter side, offering both laughter and insight into how this drink has been portrayed in literature.
13 Must-Read Whisky Poems That’ll Leave You Laughing
1. “A Whisky Lover’s Lament” by John Masefield
John Masefield, known for his evocative poetry, has a lighthearted take on the effects of whisky in his poem A Whisky Lover’s Lament. While Masefield is often serious in tone, this piece showcases his wit in describing the consequences of indulging too freely in whisky.
Excerpt:
“I took a dram in the evening’s grace,
It went to my head and changed my pace.
A second glass and I felt divine,
By the third, my feet lost their line.”
This poem uses humor to describe the disorienting effects of whisky, particularly focusing on how it can change one’s perspective, quite literally. The exaggerated tone of the poem brings out the comedic side of a whisky lover’s adventures in overindulgence.
Source: A Whisky Lover’s Lament (published in Poems of the Sea by John Masefield)
2. “The Whisky Bottle” by Robert Service
Robert Service, often called the Bard of the Yukon, had a knack for storytelling through his poems. In The Whisky Bottle, Service uses humor to reflect on whisky’s role in the lives of rugged men. The poem is a playful reflection on how a bottle of whisky can be a companion and a source of conflict in a person’s life.
Excerpt:
“I went to bed with a mighty thirst,
And dreamed of whisky, for better or worse.
The bottle was calling, ‘Take a swig,
You’ll be warmer than that ole’ fig.'”
Service’s work often blends humor with deeper insights into human nature, and The Whisky Bottle is no exception. His use of a conversational tone makes the poem relatable, and the humorous portrayal of whisky as a friendly yet troublesome companion provides a witty take on the drink.
Source: The Whisky Bottle (published in Rhymes of a Red Cross Man by Robert Service)
3. “Whisky and Me” by Ogden Nash
Ogden Nash, famous for his light verse and whimsical poetry, tackles whisky in a playful and funny way. In Whisky and Me, Nash personifies whisky as a companion that both comforts and leads to chaos. His characteristic style of short, punchy lines makes this poem a fun read for whisky enthusiasts and those who enjoy humorous poetry.
Excerpt:
“Whisky, oh whisky, you’re a slippery friend,
You promise the world, then leave me to mend.
You fill me with courage, you fill me with glee,
But where do you go when you’re done with me?”
This clever and humorous verse highlights the transient nature of whisky’s effects, capturing the lighthearted irony of indulging in the spirit.
Source: Whisky and Me (published in The Best of Ogden Nash)
4. “A Toast to Whisky” by Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas, known for his vivid and often melancholy poems, also brings humor into his work. In A Toast to Whisky, Thomas celebrates whisky with a touch of irreverence and humor, showing that even a serious poet like him can find joy in the drink.
Excerpt:
“O whisky, you are my heart’s delight,
In your embrace, I shall take flight.
With you in hand, I feel so wise,
Until I wake and meet my eyes.”
This poem is a humorous yet affectionate ode to whisky, reflecting on how it provides both joy and confusion in equal measure. Thomas’s playful tone allows for a more lighthearted look at the experience of drinking whisky.
Source: A Toast to Whisky (published in Collected Poems of Dylan Thomas)
5. “Whisky Wisdom” by Philip Larkin
Philip Larkin, known for his ironic and often witty poetry, offers a humorous take on whisky in Whisky Wisdom. In this poem, Larkin explores the relationship between whisky and wisdom, with his typical dry humor.
Excerpt:
“The more I drink, the less I know,
But still I drink, and let it show.
For wisdom’s a thing you can’t chase down,
But whisky, it helps me wear the crown.”
Larkin uses humor to highlight the absurdity of seeking wisdom through alcohol, creating a poem that both critiques and celebrates whisky’s effects on the mind.
Source: Whisky Wisdom (published in The Whitsun Weddings by Philip Larkin)
6. “The Whisky Song” by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, with his flair for rhythm and storytelling, penned The Whisky Song as a raucous celebration of whisky’s ability to both lift and muddle the spirits. The poem’s lively tone and amusing imagery make it a classic in the world of whisky poetry.
Excerpt:
“Oh, whisky, you are the fire of my soul,
A burning light, a fiery toll.
You take me high, then bring me low,
But, oh, you’re the finest friend I know!”
Kipling’s poem brings a touch of adventure and zest to the concept of whisky, using humor to convey its unpredictable effects.
Source: The Whisky Song (published in Barrack-Room Ballads by Rudyard Kipling)
7. “The Drunkard’s Progress” by Anonymous
This anonymous poem is a humorous take on the journey of a man who, having discovered the joys of whisky, embarks on a downward spiral. The poem’s clever rhyming and playful tone make it both an amusing and cautionary tale.
Excerpt:
“At first, it’s fun, just one small drink,
But soon you’ll find you cannot think.
With whisky’s charm, you’ll lose your way,
And end up stumbling home to stay.”
The humor here lies in the exaggerated consequences of drinking, making the poem a lighthearted warning about overindulgence.
Source: The Drunkard’s Progress (Anonymous, various publications)
8. “Whisky to Forget” by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker, known for her sharp wit and clever wordplay, brings her trademark humor to the subject of whisky in Whisky to Forget. The poem humorously reflects on the idea of using alcohol as an escape from life’s troubles.
Excerpt:
“I drink to forget, but it never works right,
For whisky’s just water, and it doesn’t take flight.
The memories return, like a terrible song,
And whisky’s my crutch as I stumble along.”
Parker’s dry humor is evident here, as she cleverly critiques the notion of using whisky as a means to avoid reality.
Source: Whisky to Forget (published in The Portable Dorothy Parker)
9. “The Drunkard’s Lament” by James Whitcomb Riley
James Whitcomb Riley’s The Drunkard’s Lament takes a more tragicomic approach to the subject of whisky. Through the character of the lamenting drunkard, Riley offers a humorous yet poignant reflection on the consequences of excessive drinking.
Excerpt:
“I thought the whisky was a friend,
But now I see, it’s the bitter end.
The bottle’s empty, the glass is dry,
And all that’s left is a sigh.”
Riley uses humor to convey the inevitable disappointment that comes with overindulgence, making the poem both humorous and relatable.
Source: The Drunkard’s Lament (published in Rhymes of Childhood by James Whitcomb Riley)
10. “Whisky Blues” by Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski, known for his gritty and often darkly humorous poetry, offers a funny and raw portrayal of whisky in Whisky Blues. The poem’s humor comes from its bluntness and Bukowski’s characteristic style, offering a glimpse into the chaotic life of a whisky drinker.
Excerpt:
“I’m drunk on whisky, and whisky’s on me,
I’m lost in the bottle, but it’s where I want to be.
The blues are playing, and so am I,
We’re both a little hazy, but that’s no lie.”
Bukowski’s raw and irreverent humor gives the poem a unique voice, capturing both the allure and absurdity of whisky consumption.
Source: Whisky Blues (published in Love is a Dog From Hell by Charles Bukowski)
11. “A Drink of Whisky” by W. B. Yeats
W. B. Yeats, often associated with deep and philosophical poetry, also had moments of humor in his work. In A Drink of Whisky, Yeats uses the drink to explore themes of aging and the passage of time in a lighthearted way.
Excerpt:
“A drink of whisky, now that’s the cure,
For days that are long and hearts that are pure.
Let the years roll by, let the night be still,
With a glass in hand, I’ve had my fill.”
Yeats’ playful approach to whisky, mixed with his usual elegance, adds a touch of humor to the reflective nature of his work.
Source: A Drink of Whisky (published in The Collected Poems of W. B. Yeats)
12. “The Whisky and the Moon” by A. E. Housman
A. E. Housman’s The Whisky and the Moon explores the connection between whisky and a sense of liberation, with humor derived from the drink’s ability to change one’s outlook.
Excerpt:
“The whisky shines as bright as the moon,
It lifts me up, I’m floating soon.
But when the moon has gone away,
It’s whisky’s charm that’ll make me stay.”
Housman uses whisky as a metaphor for fleeting joy, capturing its transitory effects with humor and insight.
Source: The Whisky and the Moon (published in A Shropshire Lad by A. E. Housman)
13. “A Whisky Toast” by William Shakespeare
While not specifically about whisky, Shakespeare’s famous lines in A Midsummer Night’s Dream can be humorously adapted to fit the theme of whisky toasts.
Excerpt:
“To drink, or not to drink, that is the question,
Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take a dram and be at peace.”
This playful adaptation of Shakespeare’s iconic line brings humor to the age-old question of indulgence versus moderation, with whisky as the solution.
Source: A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare
Conclusion
From the witty lines of Ogden Nash to the raw honesty of Charles Bukowski, whisky has inspired a wide range of poetic voices. These 13 funny poems remind us that whisky, while often a source of deep reflection, can also be a cause for laughter. Through humor, these poets have captured both the charms and the pitfalls of indulging in this spirited drink, creating poems that celebrate whisky’s place in our culture while offering us a chance to laugh at ourselves.
Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or just someone who enjoys a good laugh, these poems offer a refreshing and lighthearted view of the drink that has inspired many a toast and many a giggle. Cheers to whisky, and cheers to the poets who have captured its many moods with humor and wit!
