I loved a pint of beer in the evening
And someone at a table by my side
To sit and talk and sip awhile
And let the evening shade
Settle down around us now
My feelings to beguile
There was no woman in my life
To charm and comfort me
Only the quiet monastery
And news on the BBC
A stroll down to the Oxford Arms
And into its back den
And a soothing pint of Guinness
Would end my day back then
In later days and crisis time
A country pub sufficed
The Greyfriar in Chawton
Nothing overpriced
A quiet pint of Hampshire ale
Jane Austen’s house nearby
And Ed my friend for company
As I waited by and by
Real ale has always been my friend
Strong and honest true
The Torbrex Inn has goodly pints
A real refreshing brew
But lately and just like my dad
I have come surprisingly
To settle for that other brew
A lovely cup of tea
Brian Fahy
13 December 2021
Erris Poetry 