[austintorn@aol.com]

— In My Own Time —

As I age I drink life’s bountiful wine,
Savoring each droplet in its good time.
As a living chalice of swirling blood,
I must tip my cup to this life of mine.


— Life Savor —

Oh thee, of thine, whence came this life of mine?
I wish to thank thee for this living wine.
Oh Nature, Father Time, Guiding Star—
Thanks for throwing me this earthly lifeline.


— “To Life” —

Drink the lifeblood of the grapes you’ve sown
Before pressing time squeezes out thy own.
Do toast with thy chalice and all inspire:
“To life’s red wine I give all that I own!”


— Byron’s Golden Mean —

Let us have wine, lovers, song, and laughter—
Water, chastity, prayer the day after.
Such we’ll alternate the rest of our days—
On the average, we’ll make Hereafter!


— Up and Up —

Of your love-sweet companion take a sup,
While s/he as your chalice is lifted up.
Drink deep the wine that satisfies love’s thirst;
Drink—before the winds of time dry the cup.





— Persona Grata —

Your wine, my persona radiata,
Fills my golden chalice—oh, Sultana,
I’m intoxicated by your love-stream
Flowing freely—oh dear, amorata!


— Wine, Bread, and Thou —

I caressed her tresses in romantic rhythm
To the contented sighs she sent toward Heaven.
We slumbered where the grass fledged the stream,
Half-awake or asleep in love’s peaceful dream.


— Above Ground —

The cemetery was where the ducks were fed,
Where we friends feasted on wine, verse, and bread
Amidst the flowered trees and quiet streams—
The home for both the living AND the dead.


— Epitaph —

And when thyself with shining foot shall tread
The journey of life, unborn to the dead,
Take Heavenly sups from this earthly cup
And live your life while the wine flows red.