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



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Date: 1/19/2023 7:15:00 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
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Date: 11/23/2022 8:19:00 PM
Vividly described experience, Elizabeth~~almost like a tryst! Janice
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Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 11/24/2022 2:15:00 AM
So perceptive of you, Janice! It is a love affair ! Elizabeth
Date: 11/23/2022 2:23:00 PM
Wow!!! Captivating, Intriguing, and fantastic writer. Take care. Shirley
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Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 11/24/2022 2:16:00 AM
Oh, Shirley! You do warm my heart! Elizabeth
Date: 11/20/2022 11:22:00 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
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Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 11/21/2022 1:10:00 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
Date: 11/17/2022 10:41:00 PM
Wow Elizabeth ….the way you described that was amazing…I was gripped Ha! You are a clever lady. Enjoyed….Debx
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Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 11/21/2022 1:12:00 AM
I will have to learn to edit before I send! Thank you, forgiving friend. Elizabeth
M  Avatar
Deb M
Date: 11/18/2022 7:13:00 AM
No Tank you…haha!! Debx
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Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 11/18/2022 2:15:00 AM
Tank you, Deb! You are so encouraging! Elizabeth
Date: 11/17/2022 10:34:00 AM
You certainly have great powers of observation, and reporting! Aloha!
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Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 11/17/2022 12:25:00 PM
Thanks, Rico. I'm happy you dropped by! Elizabeth
Date: 11/17/2022 2:28:00 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.
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Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 11/17/2022 12:24:00 PM
I really appreciate your take, Jenna! Kind of you to comment. I love your stuff. Elizabeth
Date: 11/17/2022 1:44:00 AM
One sip leads to another...and another
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Date: 11/16/2022 7:52:00 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!
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Elizabeth Mccann
Date: 11/16/2022 11:35:00 PM
Milton, you keep me afloat in a sea of uncertainty! Elizabeth
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