[Douglas G. Brown]

Terence, malt is not enough;
The poet’s trade is mighty tough,
And other substances appear
More powerful than Ludlow beer.

Before your middle years are nigh,
You’ll find your Muse by getting high;
Begin with hash and wacky weed,
Then graduate to coke and speed.

‘Tis said that life is sweet and short,
So brace yourself and take a snort;
And nothing’s like an acid trip
To make your readers think you’re hip.

But, Terence pay attention, close,
To dodge a fatal overdose;
Avoid the premature demise
Of all those other Shropshire guys.