Best Napa Poems
Never been to Tuscany
But when it comes to wine,
Napa and Sonoma
As a substitute are fine.
Even on a rainy day,
The rows of endless vines,
Combined with endless hills
Create magnificent designs.
At every winery, you sip
And sample, sniff and taste.
What you don't like, you simply toss -
A necessary waste.
I wonder what they do with all
Those rejects in that bucket.
Of course, they say - end of the day
They take that wine and chuck it.
But maybe when the tourists leave,
They bottle what was tossed
And sell it as a "special blend"
At some expensive cost.
So think of that when next you sip
And when those thoughts appear,
Just follow my example - say,
"I think I'll have a beer!"
Categories:
napa, food, travel,
Form:
Rhyme
APPETIZERS
It licks it's raspy way across the land,
and peeks around and drools at our abode.
A plume of ash to blacken every man,
and leaves our children standing in the road.
Devours hot crackling sounds in baby's ear,
with lullaby of death, it encroaches.
It swallows cozy shelter, dock, and pier,
drying up our lake as it approaches.
Then feasting on all creatures great and small,
it spits out raw bones, or glass, and metal.
No blaze can chew on such metallic squall,
nor munch the bones of Grimm's, bravest Gretel.
A ravenous and lively old fire beast,
pops us down as hors d'œuvres for the feast.
By Edlynn Nau
© October 14, 2017
Dedication to the people of the 17 California Fires: with special love to Mendocino County, Lake County, Napa County, Sonoma County, & Santa Rosa.
Categories:
napa, death, fire, loss, Lullaby,
Form:
Sonnet
The ABCs of Things Green
Algae, alligator, artichoke, asparagus, aphids, Andradite,
Brussels sprouts, broccoli, Buffalo Treehopper, and beans,
Cuckoo Wasp, Cabbage, cucumber, Common Green Darner, and celery
Dog Day Cicada, Delphinium flowers diopside and dioptase, (rocks),
Emeralds, eyes, endive, evergreen trees, Emerald Ash Borer, Epidote
Ferns, Forests, Frogs, Fungus, Fork-tailed Bush Katydids, and fushite
Green Macaw, Green Jay, green onions, green bottles and boxes
Honeydew melons, Habanera chilies, and Hellebore,
Indian peas, Irish moss, Iceberg lettuce, Ivy, and Iguanas,
Jade vine, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Jade, and the Jolly Green Giant
Kale kelp, katydid, kiwi fruit, kohlrabi, and the Keel Billed Toucan’s bill,
Leeks, lemons, limes, leaf hoppers, leafy greens, and Leprechauns,
Mint jelly, Magnolia, Green Jumping Spider, Morrisonite Jasper, Malachite
New Zealand spinach, Napa cabbage, the Nile River, and Nephrite Jade,
Olives, Ostrich fern, okra, Oak leaf lettuce, olive Sparrow and onion,
Praying Mantis, peas, potato, parsnip, Peach-faced Lovebird, and Prehnite,
Question is, What green thing starts with Q? Some quarks do.
Runner-beans, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rose quartz, and Rue,
Saddleback Caterpillars, Southern Emerald Moths, snow peas, Serpentine
Tadpole, Turtle, Turf, Turnip greens, Turaco, and Toxic Torbenite,
Unripe bananas and Ugli fruit (both are green then orange)
Velvet Beans, Vidalia Onions, Vegetable leaves, Varovite, and Varisite
White-winged Parakeet, watercress, winter purslane, and wild leek
Xigua melon is a yummy treat
Yellow onions, Yellow-chevroned parakeet, Yellow-green vireo, and yarrow,
Zuchini is the last, but not the least of the ABC’s of Things Green.
Categories:
napa, bird, food, fruit,
Form:
Abecedarian
On a blustery winter night my loved one comes to dine.
The table is set for two in front of a cheerful fire and
a candle flickers in delight beside one perfect yellow rose.
I greet my love with a kiss and a glass of Napa Ridge Sauvignon
Blanc. We sit for a while and enjoy fig and Humboldt Fog
goat cheese crostini, while we sip the sweet nectar of the grape.
Soon it is time for me to serve a salad of grilled romaine with bacon and
cherry tomato vinaigrette. We enjoy our quiet conversation while
listening to a compilation disc I made of some of his favorites…
Chopin piano sonatas, Billy Joel ‘s Uptown Girl, The Phantom Of The Opera
and a few selections from an old Beetles album.. Now the entre,
Lamb Chops with a garlic and mustard crust, haricort verts in browned
butter and potatoes gratin . With our entrée we splurge on a bottle
of Screaming Eagle Zinfindel..A bit later I bring out a huckleberry tart
with homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
It was an an evening of culinary delight, made truly special by being with
the one that keeps me safely in his heart.
Categories:
napa, food, love,
Form:
Narrative
Pea soup fog hung over the Napa Valley hills,
kissing April grape vines, row upon steep row,
with the lightest touch of dampness, soon
to dry in the hot California sun.
I'd just walked my Daughter down a rose
petal strewn lane beneath a laurel lined
arbor, giving her hand to a good Man,
waiting between two towering Coconut
Palms.
Duties accomplished, Grandma (my mom)
and I were on our way to visit an obscure
ancient coastal redwoods reserve, the
first so designated.
A brief stop at San Raphael Mission
fortified us spiritually to walk amidst
2400 year old pines.
The shaded old growth paths smelled
familiar, the scent similar to my favorite
trails in Superior National Forest, the difference
being these groves were much older.
We are drawn to nature's peace, and placing
my hand on the marble like tree trunks, I
absorbed a silent sense of everlasting peace
these ancient friends of mine were willing
to share.
Mindful of the passing of time, words weren't
needed to understand the obligations I
fulfilled, blessings I transferred to my
Daughter, handed down from my parents,
Shared
with
the
universe
5/05/17
Categories:
napa, father daughter,
Form:
Narrative
I'd like to make a reservation please,
A quiet table on Friday at eight.
There will be a total of four that night,
I'm so excited I just can't wait !
You see, some friends I've yet to meet,
Are coming here from distant places.
We're going to talk of many things,
It's going to be a thrill to see their faces.
Do you carry Silver Oak Cabernet,
And what specials might we expect?
They will enjoy the Napa Valley,
Over delicious food we will connect.
I know I do ramble on a bit...
But these are poets from the Soup.
So looking forward to this dinner,
It's going to be such a fun group!
Barbara Gorelick..my companions will be
Carolyn Devonshire
Larry Belt
Robert Hinshaw
Categories:
napa, food, friendship, people
Form:
Quatrain
The Napa Valley
Vines march abreast through valleys in wait
The fall harvest, hope for the year
Beautiful vistas gladden
Swollen orbs dropping down
Fall color painting
Nip in the air
The first crush
Waiting
Wine
Categories:
napa, nature, places
Form:
Nonet
From the depths of the sea like depths of the soul comes tsunami wave
On the restless sea billows of many meters rave
Enough to put average ship in an underwater grave
Even in modern ship wind its visage on the spirits of passengers will engrave
The wind whispers the ballad of the old
There is a story in its whistling that is about to unfold
In the story possibilities are foretold
About strange things that encrypted information hold
Long time ago in nineteen century
A sail ship is traveling the sea
Captain is relaxed maybe drinking tea
When first mate tells him there is something he needs to see
At twelve degrees seven minutes and eight seconds latitude
Ninety three degrees fifty two minutes longitude
Captain saw a sea serpent of colossal magnitude
Over ninety meters long beast he viewed
The serpent had a horn that on its forehead lies
And glowing awe inspiring eyes
It was strong enough to stop the ship of impressive size
Moving at ten knots and at full sails likewise
On Cyprus they describe similar creature
Only with one different feature
Many heads is this unique feature
And Ayia Napa sea monster is name of that creature
But where could it come from is it just a crock or something more prime
Maybe it is reflection of something more sublime
Something born not formed with magnified cells at the same time
And something that could fundamentally mix the very time
Something that could be bomb of life creating new forms alive
And that life in its own universe would thrive
Beyond continuity it would survive
And for perfection it would not need to strive
Categories:
napa, animal, fantasy, universe,
Form:
Rhyme
I was on summer vacation
San Francisco was the destination
The warm breeze, spring in the air
All looked bright and fair
The crooked street
I so wanted to meet
And drive thru the China bazaar
Looking at exotic filled jars
The cable car was an instant hit
It was hard to get in and fit
The heather farm a heavenly abode
Where flowers grew all along the road
Napa valley took my heart
From the wines I didn’t want to part
But it was the awesome Golden Gate Bridge
And its green overlooking ridge
That was the star of the tour
Left me asking for more
A vacation forever in my mind
For the tender memories left behind
Categories:
napa, holiday
Form:
Rhyme
hawks circle high
over ripening vineyards...
rabbits with red tongues
hawks circle high
over ripening vineyards...
bees sip zinfandel
hawks circle high
over ripening vineyards...
dusk brings wine splashed skies
___________________
Categories:
napa, nature,
Form:
Haiku
My heart lies in the countryside
under the Napa rainbow laying low.
Big bright rolling valleys it has divide
The woods through which we will go.
I met an explorer near lake Bazaleti
With a small cottage on a vast land
The poor half-finished community in Svaneti
made memorable moments more demand.
My heart lies in Tbilisi with one more kiss
build a wish to remove the blackening mist
whose soulful cries brought tears to my eyes,
they swept downwards like the wintry visit.
Together we discover half-finished heaven,
This ensemble of crafts in a crude cradle
Perfectly finds the happiness of mind
In rural nature define a portrait as permissible.
That sheer breadth of beauty command,
Countryside brands picturesque snow cap,
Covered the Georgian mountain stand,
Of scenic lakes asleep and wake in a quiet nap.
Sundry variety of colours galvanized the look
Of breath-taking beauty running into cliffs
Fountain bliss, crisp with ageless water flock
diffs down the slope of great granite rocks.
My heart lies in that half-finished heaven
This medieval land a most enchanting place,
Locked in high demand with the mystery given
Supra wine and the plate of nectar taste.
They soak uptown, in Nana’s kitchen home
Love has made the easiest way to get around
Centuries of Kakheti wine becoming renown
Trek through all the expansive places we found.
Categories:
napa, beauty, community, mystery, nature,
Form:
Free verse
Prince of charm I could call him,
He’s as charming as the wind,
As attractive as the whirlwind
That carts the hearts of women.
He roped the heart of Sandra
On his way to California,
But the heart, so young for reaping,
Was not yet ripe for the taking.
He walked on clouds to Napa
To taste the wine of love;
Love is ripe princess Victoria,
Long-yearning like a dove.
His life is like a fantasy,
He fought phantoms to save humanity
From the hands of bigotry-
Long,awaiting to be free.
He sailed on way to Japan
To defend such sacred land;
Love that’s not in the right time,
Longingly waiting for the dawn.
Categories:
napa, tribute,
Form:
Ballad
Everything seemed secure
Inside the crystal palace safe and pure
Welcoming the claret wine
For a taste testing and dine
This evening’s match
Featuring best grapes from Burnley’s vineyard patch
Such a glorious exhibition
Sit back, watch and listen
Deciding seating places at the table
Both having positions that are stable
Winner will enjoy a fruity high
Loser will find themselves in the bottom half reading a PS ‘nice try’
But if the result is a draw
Movement up the ladder will be small
Stated in the scoring rule law
When the sipping began okayed by the starter
A communication was written like a charter
“This wine is very tarter!!”
“It is green wine!”
One server defined
Identification decided to decline
Giving it a few swirls
To those wearing pearls
“I must get my red card”
An affluent said headed to the bar
But none was giving
“You must be kidding!”
Richness carried on
And a few minutes later found the one with the magical Dublin wand
“If it was up to me
We could have a toast at the first tee
Then drive a fair way
Enjoying a dessert, a parfait
With a nice shot
Hitting the right spot”
Looking at the Irish steward
A royal tried not to be forward
“Is that the reason for the interesting taste?”
A princess wondered about the luring liqueur base
“That was my goal
Would you like your glass chilled or cold?”
Wanting to leave
These well to dues led out the decree
“That is not all right
Picking a fight”
Putting the plastic chalice down
Showing angry frowns
“You should sample mine
Squirt it with lime
Give time
Your smile will shine”
Hearing that stated
Elite spirits really felt degraded
Going home alone
Needing Napa Valley on the phone
Shrugging his shoulders the young entrepreneur did
Smelled the cork that was the bottles lid
Knowing the whip creamy topping shouldn’t be hid
Mumbling to himself “This needs an honest bid”
Going on to the stage he muddled
Many still around to hear a rebuttal
“A colorful treat for the taking
An eloquent find in the making
For those tired of the dreaded soda bread baking”
Hands went up with many shouts
Wanting the green wine that no one knows anything about
Categories:
napa, football, london, princess, proposal,
Form:
Rhyme
Don't come to my house,after all.
Our Weimar Republic Governor,
regaled..." Ten people, that's all"
If you want to dance must be 20
feet away?
I heard a liberal state is outlawing
kissing soon, as they take more
freedoms as we allow them to have
their way?
Too bad there's no masks for eating
turkey legs.
I don't know how to eat with a mask
on....create one, I humbly beg!
I still am grateful with a governor
like others, who has the Nazi insignia
tattooed on their backs.
Pretend liberals, they, taking each
Constitutional right away.
"In Covid We Trust" should be imprinted
on our coins.
Or worse yet, burnt into our loins?
Zoomgivng, they highly prefer.
As fear replaces all holidays, I think
only the brightest of you may concur.
Many still love all the fear going on.
Mostly nonsensical, inflated numbers,
especially if you have that station on.
Lastly, the craziest idea, "there is no
Covid in CA in strip joints."
But churches and schools are filled with
them?
Dude, my head does not come to a point!
Football is in full swing!
So is the topless girl with pasties and bare
bottomed, allowed open on Thanksgiving!
Ah, fear, how I loathe your face!
I wish I could remove you from our human race!
Happy Thanksgiving, may the Governor burn!
He had a Party in Napa last nigh!
Now it's all Californians turn.
11-19-2020
Categories:
napa, bullying, thanksgiving,
Form:
Rhyme
Under a State of Emergency
California Inferno
We thought 113 degrees was so bad?
Now people and pets have to run for their lives!
Whilst we sit cooly in out poetic
dives!
So absorbed in this community of
electronic society?
Looking out my window, seeing yellowed skies.
Full of smoke and debris,
Best stay indoors, highly advised.
Northern California, we are taking
a big hit!
Thanks to the fury of lightning, which dry brush
and trees took afiery hit.
Vacaville, Fairfield, Napa being evacuated.
It's frightening to be living here.
Once a free- thinking state that
I held so very dear.
To be in the middle of the virus
and people running for their lives,
Makes me want to take my cat,
a few things.
But, I ask..where is there to hide?
August 19, 2020
3pm PST
Categories:
napa, emotions, fear, fire,
Form:
Rhyme