Red Wine Poem by Paul Reed

SEE this bowl of purple wine,
Life-blood of the lusty vine!
All the warmth of summer suns
In the vintage liquid runs,
All the glow of winter nights
Plays about its jewel lights,
Thoughts of time when love was young
Lurk its ruby drops among,

From 'A Toast' by George Santayana
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How many times did you care
At least just for the night
Mingled comfort amongst my despair
Made the wrong seem right

Fooled my mind into thinking straight
Made the fear go away
Resigned me to my own fate
Took me to another day

Filled up the vacuum in my soul
Softened this bumpy ride
Set tomorrow as a goal
Gave me back my pride

Started feet to dance again
Lit a forgotten fire
Put me on the homeward train
Dug me out the mire

Here's to a million glasses more!
Of the mystery that is the vine
To the drink that heals the sore
To the miracle of red wine.