Red Wine

Originally written on September 28, 2009. 

once a grape
a bunch of grapes
vines in a row
basking in the sun
dancing in the rain
looking at the stars
awaiting destiny
clipped when ready
stems removed
having been crushed
skin over here
elixir over there
bubble bubble boil
no trouble here
french or american
the oak is there
waiting to nurse
and care for
liquid of red
months or years
doesn't matter
they are there
for you always
resting in the dark
until the day
you are born
rejoice in the bottle
deep dark and red
blood red
the vampires treat
without the neck
still there's a neck
more resting to come
months or years
your choice or mine
what do you want
when do you want it
how do you want it
let the ceremony begin
remove the foil
gently screw the cork
softly remove
then a lightly muted
pop
no snap or crackle
celebration still
let the senses begin
eyes on the color
nose on the scent
palate at the ready
all the senses
engaged for the moment
the subtle pour
into shimmering glass
not one but two
only just enough
letting light show color
deep blood red
swirl the glass
once twice thrice
more if needed
let it breathe
breathe deeply
inhale and hold
exhale to inhale
again and again
the urge is strong
to clink glasses
to taste and absorb
the moment of the wine
years in the making
foreplay in motion
senses fully aroused
cheers cheers
up to the lips
a sensuous sip
the nose also there
taking in all
the luscious scent
of the moment
swirling in the mouth
the tongue tastes
here and there
there and here
eyes connected
the wine is a delight
by itself
or the company
of the moment
where years of making
waiting patiently
or impatiently
are consummated
in the moment
the sacrifice of wine
on the altar
of the senses
where taste
and smell
and touch
and sound
and vision
all come together
bask in the moment
of a good wine
made great
a great wine
made extraordinary
with eyes on eyes
and glasses clinked
now more scents
enter the space
welcome intruder
when one plus one
becomes one
delicious red wine
etches into the soul
of each of us
then it happens
that moment of
cheers cheers
alone red tastes fine
shared it's memorialized
utterances of glee
and amazement
frozen in time
let's do it again
red red wine
you and i tonight
well, tonight
it's just fine ...