11-18-2016, 08:18 AM
As if denuding
a fridge fugitive avocado,
peel away the glistening foil.
Admire the wire cage
in which the cork
is held captive,
wishing for freedom.
It's yours to give
using a fine linen towel
from Harding & Groves ($65).
Remove cork's metal mask,
placing towel carefully
on its bare Portuguese head.
Imagine Mother Teresa's shawl
as you wrap it around once
to look like Lawrence of Arabia's
ghutra flapping in a hot desert wind.
One hand tight on bottle's throat,
the other circling the shrouded cork,
sharply twist it to and fro.
( Two to's, three fro's works best.)
Bang!
Your work is done,
fine champagne foaming
like a wild dogwood
as it rinses you
from hand to elbow.