It was only sweet apple cider in a jug on the pantry shelf,
from time to time I was allowed to go and help myself.
But, one day I couldn't find it when I went in with my cup,
so I figured it was all gone - someone must have used it up.
Sometime later I was looking in the pantry for a treat,
anything at all would do as long as it was sweet,
when high up on the top shelf, I spied the cider jug.
So, I went to get a kitchen chair to stand on, and a mug.
NOW I know cider can turn hard, but THEN I'd never heard,
so I drank a mug full, then I had a second and a third.
It tasted very good to me; my thirst was satisfied.
I tried to stand up, but the pantry whirled around inside.
Mom came home about that time; she hadn't gone too far.
She looked into the pantry, when she saw the door ajar.
I know I sat upon the floor; I don't know what I said.
Next thing I remember, I was lying on my bed.
My sister standing nearby said, "You really tied one on."
But I just closed my eyes and when I looked up, she was gone.
At suppertime I took my place, my face was warm and pink.
I looked around, and there was Daddy giving me a wink.
"When I was 'bout your age," he said, "I climbed a cherry tree
and ate my fill of big wild cherries, sweet as they could be.
They must have turned fermented by the heat, but I didn't know.
I almost fell out of the tree, and reeled home in a glow."
"They asked me, 'Hey, what's wrong with you?' I tried, but couldn't speak."
My Daddy knew just how I felt - we laughed 'til we were weak!