(villanelle)

LAUGHTER, LOVE AND LUST
by John T. Baker
Here's to laughter, love and lust,
Fill full this life while yet we may;
Too soon comes duty, death and dust.

The past is spent, the future just
An I.O.U. of doubtful pay;
So here's to laughter, love and lust.

We'll weep tomorrow if we must  
But make the most of time today;
Too soon comes duty, death and dust.

What lies ahead we dare not trust,
It's consequence we cannot weigh,
So here's to laughter, love and lust.

Who wants to wait until we rust,
Until we wither and decay?
Too soon comes duty, death and dust.

Join the feast, devour each crust,
Drain the glass without delay;
Here's to laughter, love and lust!
Too soon comes duty, death and dust.