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A Toast

by April Ardis Anderson
The chalice
Decorously garbled and
knick-knack encrusted
Entreats the Talis-
man and I
To fine refreshment fulfilling

Before us
(I know, dear, "always us",
But I meant between
Or betwixt us)
Deep loves lie
Guarded clean, pure, ne'er spilling

Upraise goblet together!
The Caring Cancer and
The Gem-Gem Gemini
Dear, do add
Citrus tang seasoning
By winking twinkling eye

Peering in
lips anxious and
eager to feel wine
born by
tipped goblet
dry sand receiving surf
ahhhhhhhhha!
Tipped tide.

Now
Tangent cup
Careful!
Don't lose a drop!
Or weary floor
Will feast on love
Or perhaps will that
Ragged mop!

Tongue at last
slaked;
Throat misery
quenched;
Gullet
warm;
Veins
heat seeped;
Nerves
coursing with fire;

And our senses? Quite inundated, I assure you.

Ho, ho!
What a shot!
Snap! Zing! Pow!
WOW!
Prized elixir!
Withdrawal subduer, eternally!
Generous until we are
Tank-topped--
That'll never be!

And we thought just the fumes were great....




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