On Continuing to Keep Wines that Have Peaked
by Joseph Mills
When we know the wines are as good
as they will get, why are we reluctant
to open the last bottles, continually saying,
Not yet. Maybe later. Maybe next year?
Are we irrational optimists, telling ourselves
they’ll be fine for a little while longer?
Are we in denial about the inevitable decay?
Or do some of us know exactly the choice
we’re making, recognizing we all become
tired, flabby, unable to satisfy as we once did,
and yet there still may be good moments
in the years to come. Having been together
for so long, perhaps we’re more forgiving.
No, we’re not as good as we once were,
but something pleasing enough remains
that makes it difficult to say goodbye.
A faculty member at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Joseph Mills holds an endowed chair, the Susan Burress Wall Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities. He has published five collections of poetry with Press 53, including one on wine called Angels, Thieves, and Winemakers. More information about his work is available at www.josephrobertmills.com and he blogs somewhat regularly at www.josephrobertmills.blogspot.com.
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