Opening

How reverently he removes the seal,
   anticipating the fragrance,
   the first small taste,
   remembering the warmth and
   laughter of the party,
   parties, the bar, the taverns,
   the men, the women,   
   long-tailed cigarette smoke curling.

His tongue unconsciously caresses
   the corner of his mouth
   as his left hand cups
   the shoulder of the bottle
   gently and firmly as a lover.

Drawing a penknife from his pocket
   he pulls open the blade to cut
   the black band binding the cap,
   his lips slightly pursed,
   engrossed in the process.

Deftly flicking the cap,  
   he lays it aside and pauses;
   it takes only a moment
   for the subtle vapors
   to lift to his nostrils.

Not quite a smile,
   something even more
   expressive of pleasure,
   a submission,
   a peace that fills him
   as if coming home
   from an arduous journey.

He pours.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Sambourne Avatar
January 19, 2023 at 7:15 PM
Such evocative, powerful writing! Your poem Elizabeth, so skillfully ushers the reader into a relatable scene of amorous drinking. The triple draws of pleasure, submission + homecoming so effectively conveyed in your concluding lines. Congratulations on such a provocative + imaginative write. Sincerely, Brian
Canerdy Avatar
November 23, 2022 at 8:19 PM
Vividly described experience, Elizabeth~~almost like a tryst! Janice
Mccann Avatar
November 24, 2022 at 2:15 AM
So perceptive of you, Janice! It is a love affair ! Elizabeth
Hawkins Avatar
November 23, 2022 at 2:23 PM
Wow!!! Captivating, Intriguing, and fantastic writer. Take care. Shirley
Mccann Avatar
November 24, 2022 at 2:16 AM
Oh, Shirley! You do warm my heart! Elizabeth
Horsman Avatar
November 20, 2022 at 11:22 PM
Wow, Elizabeth the opening page to a novel, clever and waiting for the action, especially after 'He pours.' Harry from Perth. You have a state election coming up, Andrews gets really bad press here, Love your poetry, that's the main thing
Mccann Avatar
November 21, 2022 at 1:10 AM
Thanks, Harry, good to hear from you! I don't think Andrews has done a bad job.. who knows, There are always fights about distributions of preferences. That's where it getys muddy. Elizabeth
M  Avatar
November 17, 2022 at 10:41 PM
Wow Elizabeth ….the way you described that was amazing…I was gripped Ha! You are a clever lady. Enjoyed….Debx
Mccann Avatar
November 21, 2022 at 1:12 AM
I will have to learn to edit before I send! Thank you, forgiving friend. Elizabeth
M  Avatar
November 18, 2022 at 7:13 AM
No Tank you…haha!! Debx
Mccann Avatar
November 18, 2022 at 2:15 AM
Tank you, Deb! You are so encouraging! Elizabeth
Leffanta Avatar
November 17, 2022 at 10:34 AM
You certainly have great powers of observation, and reporting! Aloha!
Mccann Avatar
November 17, 2022 at 12:25 PM
Thanks, Rico. I'm happy you dropped by! Elizabeth
Logan Avatar
November 17, 2022 at 2:28 AM
He caresses that bottle as his lover and undresses her by removing the black barrier between them. All the while anticipating the first taste, the first kiss that he savors. Oh, Elizabeth, how skillfully you draw your reader into the scene with subtle hints. Excellent writing.
Mccann Avatar
November 17, 2022 at 12:24 PM
I really appreciate your take, Jenna! Kind of you to comment. I love your stuff. Elizabeth
Buhagiar Avatar
November 17, 2022 at 1:44 AM
One sip leads to another...and another
Hankins Avatar
November 16, 2022 at 7:52 PM
Elizabeth, this is superb. You brought me to the table and allowed me to see what was happening. This is a scene I have watched many times. Skillful writing, my dear!
Mccann Avatar
November 16, 2022 at 11:35 PM
Milton, you keep me afloat in a sea of uncertainty! Elizabeth
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