The Drunk in the Midnight Choir

The Drunk in the Midnight Choir

He used to drink like a fish; since being
led out of the furnace, he stands
along the back row, leaning
 easy
in the rocking light of the moon,

singing his raw, warbling tremelo.
When out of tune, he might adduce
Tibetan monks, or the tonal flow
of Gamelan as his inspiration—

the rows of mouths enjoy the laugh.
An up-beat starts one of the Masses
of Bach: the moving photograph
expresses an inexpressible sadness.

Comments

[Scott Douglas]

intriguing character.
causes me to wonder about his story.

i wonder if there is a fresher term than "drink like a fish".
we all like fresh fish.