A BAR

A place where strong drink is sold is sometimes a called a Bar - that's true,

A BAR to heaven, a door to hell; whoever named it, named it well.

A BAR to manliness and wealth; a door to want and broken health.

A BAR to honor, pride and fame; a door to grief and sin and shame.

A BAR to home and a BAR to prayer; a door to darkness and despair.

A BAR to honored, useful life; a door to brawling, senseless strife,

A BAR to all that's true and brave; a door to every drunkard's grave.

A BAR to joys that home imparts; a door to tears and aching hearts.

A BAR to heaven, a door to hell; whoever named it, named it well.

-- Author Unknown