New Wine by Shela Porter

I am the vessel holding the heart
Of elder, grape and sleepy pear
Of sun-warmed vines from far off lands,
And unknown hands that tend the fruit
In alien climes and skills that share
The Bacchus favoured wine so rare.

I am the vessel holding the wine
The blood red wine that sparkles clear
But dulls the brain and loosens tongues,
And leads to misery, pain and death.

I am the vessel holding the wine
My secrets lie within my breast.
But mellow time has taught me well
That age and youth can never dwell
Within one place and live to tell
Of sweet elixirs, peace and rest.
For new wines rest uneasily in
Vessels old and dulled with care.