Of Grape And Barley Poem by cahen thrips

on you I can depend - my best friend
you've never let me down nor left me here
sitting by the wall staring into stale beer
a pauper in a land of wealth
an ailment at the edge of health
a misfit and a fool (that's me)
a pastel shade mid brilliant colour
laughter on a world of dolour
a sinking ship far out at sea
no-one around to rescue me
except for you -
you come to me, touch my parched lips
that's all you do (a few sips
and all is well) you draw me to the core
give me life once more
will never let me drown
unlike the rest you'll not let me down
as from the upturned bottle I pour at last
your amber liquid into an expectant glass

o promise me
you'll be my friend
until the very end.

March 2023