LADY MERLOT

When a cluster of grapes

Calls

Touch me

Pull me in

Pull me apart

Nibble at my cheeks

Puncture my skin

before I burst

Drink of my fruit

before I die

It’s Lady Merlot

Bubbling with heart,

Reaching to comply

Filling the air with a scent

and a song of such peace

She turns

The great lips of god—

the god of laughter—

Downward

To kiss the eyes,

To calm the heart, and

To wish for Lady Merlot

a flavorful life,

paired

with a sweet good night

Shelley Wagner