As vintage approaches

do you, after that first sip,
drift to foreign parts
late summer
blue skies
endearing heat of the season’s sun
an air of business
bronzed and protected
gathering the rich harvest
teamwork in extended days
before the vigneron declares
superior product

or do you, like me,
as an irregular consumer
accept that mediocrity
is singularly, your best return

First published in “New Poets 19” by FSP, 2018