Sit down to meet
a darling old friend--
find a chair for an older one.
Before long the older
rises from his chair--
apparently uncomfortable--
I rise with him---
"Brother, would you like to share some wine
--I don't think I can finish it."
No reply, he asks his darling friend:
"Do `you want a glass of wine?"
I thought he took initiative.

But only the wine returned--
my older friend went & burned--
ruminating on the past--
stuck in a pain that appears to last.
He sat far away -- hardly looking back --
Though his darling & I were calling him.

Well, I've seen lies & I've seen pain--
seen hypocrisy that I know could barely end-
Seen times when I thought none could be saved--
Brother don't give up -- I'll always be your friend.

The wine came to Darling and I --
all you feel is the awkwardness--
the volume's loud - I lean near her head--
you probably think I'm kissing her...

There we sit, wondering:
'What happened to our old friend?'
I explain that I had asked
if you wanted to share some wine, just then....

Darling said, "You can share this with me."
I said, "That would be nice and friendly,"
I had just thrown back a glass--
quicker than quick -- to run to meet the Darling...

But you forget - - the truth makes you think:
You brought the past into the now---
Don't forget - I had some 'Ancient Age'--
nor merely a glass of wine.

You bought it for her--
is she not free to choose:
the way in which
her wine is used..?

Well, I've seen lies & I've seen pain--
seen hypocrisy that I know could barely end-
Seen times when I thought none could be saved--
Brother don't give up -- I'll always be your friend.

In Vino Veratis - - In sharing wine we find the Truth.