The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Bourbon Steelhead

tempered steelheads migrating through the
 shallows, their metallic scales lubricated 
with penzoil two stroke motor oil.

 moving over sand and rocks
 some gray, some brown, 
 some smooth,  some jagged and torn.

  with alloys glistening in the summer heat
they brush up against the rivers stones to break
 off the fishermens disappointment.

 all those scarred gums whose fishhooked
 lines caused thier lead bellies to rust.

 in the muddy waters they stir, 
drink to much whiskey and sink to the 
river bars sandy bottom.

 their rigid frames drifting through the sediment, 
with heads lowered swaying 
 slowly like submariner zeppelins, trying to
navigate against the turbulent waters.

  now these mechanical nomadic sailors keep for
 themselves a tin compass in the sky filled with
 memories of home. 

 but still they are mellow preachers
 rolling and tumbling in their hardened 
 elements trying to find their way.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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Herrera Avatar
January 6, 2010 at 11:29 PM
Oh wow! You have no idea how much I love this. The flow and the word choice is excellent and I love the form. I love the totally unconventional subject. Everything about this piece, I love.
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace