The Oxe's Party

First the pleasure, then the pain.

When you see this gaily-trimmed oxe,
All bedecked with flowers, bells, and greens,
You might think he's a happy camper
Joining in with some youthful teens.

Together they merrily stagger toward another party
Where there'll be wine, women and frolic;
Yes, a moment of fun and hilarity
With dancing, music, and drinks alcoholic.

But all too soon the music stops
And then the party's over;
Now that it's time to pay the piper,
All eyes turn on festive oxe 'Dover'.

So lest you think that life's merry and free,
Let poor 'Dover' your example be;
For he gave up his life and meat, you see
To pay for someone else's frivolity.

There's a cost to everything.
Unbridled merriment exacts its own penalties.