"Wine is sunlight held together by water" - Galileo Galilei


That cold May week in England
with its soggy clouds and sullen skies
seemed to offer little cheer
as the sun meekly went early to bed

But on Italian slopes, she was doing a far better job;
shining with vigour and love
caressing the grapes, forcing a smile
pressing them into action

Yorkshire’s becks and streams did their part, I’m sure
by selflessly drawing and holding the deluge
so those southern vines could prosper
and yield their bounty

So, come October, I’ll treat myself and savour that happy Italian blend
and I’ll be grateful for that cold May week in England

(written in soggy mid-May 2017)