(A/N:  dedicated to two of my friends…rough times, bittersweet and to be remembered far into the future by both)

The Vineyard

Remember the days

Wandering through the vineyard,

Each grape a memory

A taste in its own:

Bitter and dry

Yet so strangely sweet

Pinched cheeks, squinted eyes-

Anything to dull the taste

…So powerful, it was…

And the sensation lingered for some time

Leaving behind a rather stale aftertaste

However only increased the craving for more

Even though years have passed

The flavor still remains

Forever in the back of the throat

Not fiery, not harsh

…But it burns all the same…

Remember the days

Wandering through the vineyard

When each grape a memory

Had a taste in its own…