Big Disappointment

Big Disappointment

January storm in
the Napa Valley: no, it
doesn’t rain wine.

–Tom Riley

Ghost Town

Ghost Town

Napa’s a ghost town now, rich in despair.
We bicker over endless pettiness.
And why? Marissa Amador’s not there.

To like this place indeed I used to dare.
I look around today and it’s a mess.
Napa’s a ghost town! Now, rich in despair,

I shake my helpless fist in haunted air.
The vineyards? They impress me less and less.
And why? Marissa Amador’s not there.

She hauled up stakes and sought another lair.
She’s pitched her tent in Idaho. I guess
Napa’s a ghost town now, rich in despair

And far beyond the region of repair.
Weeds root in psychic gardens – to excess.
And why? Marissa Amador’s not there!

Ulysses had Minerva? I’m aware.
My lack of such a goddess I confess.
Napa’s a ghost town now, rich in despair.
And why? Marissa Amador’s not there.

Happy birthday!

TR

30 September 2022

Optimistic Alcohol

Optimistic Alcohol

Pessimistic philosophy? Fine.
I’m observing the hurtful design
Just like you. Just like you,
I recoil from it, too—
But I treat these perceptions with wine.

–Tom Riley

El vino es comida

El vino es comida

Stewardess doesn’t know that wine is food.
I do not need a sandwich, honey pie.
Correction here, I’m sure, would count as rude.
Stewardess doesn’t know that wine is food—
And thus in dire sobriety I’m stewed
Until the next damn cart is passing by.
Stewardess doesn’t know that wine is food?
I do not need a sandwich, honey pie!

–Tom Riley

Drink like a Fish

Drink like a Fish

Did the sardines
I had for lunch enjoy
their sauvignon blanc?

–Tom Riley

Napa Valley Heat Wave Sacrificial Urge

Napa Valley Heat Wave Sacrificial Urge

Sun above vineyards:
for cooler mornings, I’d almost
give up wine.

–Tom Riley

Early Wine

Early Wine

Wine with breakfast today – and that’s risky.
No, I don’t stumble, belch, or get frisky—
But a headache might follow
Such a six a.m. swallow.
And the only cure then is noon whiskey.

–Tom Riley

Great China

Great China
 
 
“Great China.”  This is what the Han called Rome,
A legendary empire built around
A legendary sea.  So far from home:
There only is the brightest glory found,
All milked from the mundane.  Details astound
That normally would make a toddler yawn,
And images with fictions stand well crowned,
Twice as suggestive as Homeric dawn.
I look across my California lawn
And see a Tuscan vineyard, bound to yield
Memories of the empire that is gone.
Historic debts aren’t easily concealed.
My lunchtime wine is what I wait upon.
Soon I shall toast Great China with the Han.
 

–Tom Riley

Off the List

Off the List

 

I shall be careful what I eat and drink.
That doesn’t mean your blood is off the list.
Into my insecurity I sink.
I shall be careful what I eat and drink.
At slight or vague misgivings I won’t wink.
On standards I’ll ferociously insist.
I shall be careful what I eat and drink.
That doesn’t mean your blood is off the list.

 

–Tom Riley

 

Sobering Thought

Sobering Thought

 

“Incorruptible bodies like mine
Obey rules that vague legends define—
But I’m still an immortal!”
Vampire said with a chortle.
“The sad part is: I cannot drink wine.”

 

–Tom Riley