10years in a barrel
aging up just fine

I will have my scotch
you can drink your wine

Earthy peaty goodness
Scotland's where its made

I enjoy it and a cigar
while sitting in the shade

I will drink it on the rocks, but prefer it neat
40 bucks for my self is quite a treat.

Drip me through your sugar cube
mix me up with water
I am a vigorous spirit
I smell of herbs and black licorice

I have been pursued by the famous
Van Gogh, Gaugin, and Toulouse-Latrec
I have been consumed by Wilde and Hemingway
stimulating greatness

Then one day, forced into the shadows
fluttering in the darkness
still influencing those in authority
but in back alleys and closed parties

But today I am back out front
actors and leaders are my fans
impressive display of fire and water
as I am taken once more with gusto

The red worm swims
in amber liquid
sugars fermented
from baked agave

Visions await
in the bottom
of the bottle
and in the body
of the worm

Demon spirit
calling me
wishing to transport
me to an ancient land
of good and evil
where the worm still crawls

The road is hot and long
but the liquid is cold and smoky
the burn deadening me to the pain
and allowing me to slip
through the veil
where the worm reigns

When I arrive
and meet the worm
I swallow him whole
he tells me to look up
I see tinted curved glass
and a ring of blue-sky
from inside the bottle
where I am trapped

I moved emphatically toward the cabinet,
opened the door and removed the bottle.
My eyes took in the details, the summer home
the trees naked in winter, the view awesome.

Solid black, with golden embellishments
opened the top and poured three fingers
a couple of ice cubes, and a wedge of lime
Sat down in my chair, to enjoy, the drink

Silence surrounds me as the heat burns
down my throat and sets my mind at ease
two swallows, the glass is empty
not half full or half empty, dry

Back for a refill, and another lime
the tartness puckers my lips
I smell the glass this time
enjoying the varied notes

Warm sea air, and baked bread
with the toasted nuts at the end.
I swallow once again, not to **** pain
but to feel thoroughly alive and well

Finished again, another fill
skip the ice, and the lime
cheeks beginning to numb
and thoughts crystallize.

Liquid amber flows down my throat,
my body warms throughout
as it flows from my glass
igniting pain and flavor

Caramel and vanilla
tickle my tongue
a slight taste of cookie remains
deep and rich enjoyment

Thoughts are washed away
in a golden wave
as the cheeks and inhibitions numb
I raise my glass and wish you well

A new bottle for a new day
opened, spicy citrus
and new mown grass
fill my nose

Pouring and swirling
my mouth waters
a dip of my tongue
explore the sensations

Butterscotch and shortbread
explode in my mouth
taste buds analyze complexities
herbs and honey, and a bit of malt

Evening relaxation
leads to excellent dreams
of love, lust, romance
in the flavors of nature