Wine into Wisdom (reprise)

Posted on 2023-10-18 by Bartholomew Barker

Wine clings to the side
As I slowly twirl the glass
Watching colored stage lights
Bounce off Merlot

Through the haze I realize
I am the wine
Clinging to that
Which confines me

Living in the glass
Gradually sinking
In this pool of liquid
That used to support me

Once clarion clear my voice
Is now slurred spittle
But without the wine
I might not speak at all

Once literary and lucid
My words are confused and common
But without the wine
I might not write at all

Each sip is a curse
I must keep the glass half empty
Otherwise I will lose
All that I have gained

This year marks the tenth anniversary of my first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular. To celebrate I’m posting my favorite poems from the book on Wednesday nights, of course. This poem is the “after” of Wine into Wisdom.

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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12 Responses to Wine into Wisdom (reprise)

  1. Michele Lee's avatar Michele Lee says:
    2023-10-19 at 00:16

    Creative phrases! 🍷

    Liked by 2 people

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  2. berniebell1955's avatar berniebell1955 says:
    2023-10-19 at 04:01

    I’m reminding myself that you wrote this years ago – that’s not how it is/you are now?

    Your words are clear – very clear – you didn’t continue down the road of so many drunken poets/artists.

    You’re alive – and living – living through inner stimulii and outer – not needing more. I hope.

    Liked by 2 people

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  3. berniebell1955's avatar berniebell1955 says:
    2023-10-20 at 04:07

    You did tell me not to trust you – I forget – I am a naturally trusting soul.

    Liked by 2 people

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  4. luvgoodcarp's avatar luvgoodcarp says:
    2023-10-24 at 06:14

    That’s a powerful way to end a poem. Nicely done.

    Liked by 2 people

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