I only drink red wine
a reminder of the unkind
with a toast to the gods
who turned away from their charge

an absence remembered with chardonnay
after evidence has been put away
lest loose lisps testify
that a wrong had been applied

here’s a toast to absent friends
or enemies deserving same
revenge is best served cold
like pinot noir from old reserves

these hints of blood are enough
to celebrate in aftermath
this is why the crimson ports
satisfy through avenging toasts.

© 2020. Sean Green. All Rights Reserved. 20200210.