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It’s the little things

I wanted to do it, but was hesitant to do so.

I’m not a big fan of poetry because at times it seems a little too obtuse to me. Having noted that, please understand I thoroughly enjoy some of the poets. They have a way of expressing and explaining the world in words I cannot gather. If you’re interested in knowing which poets I enjoy, let’s have a glass of wine and talk!

Recently, I started noticing the writings of the 2019 Poet Laureate of the United States — Joy Harjo. When reading poetry, I like to read the writings of all cultures, and Harjo is a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. The spiritualism of the Indigenous population has always appealed to me because it reminds us to protect the earth and listen to the little voices of the past.

So, when Harjo’s book entitled “Poet Warrior” hit the book shelves, I had to try it. However, as much as I wanted to read the book, I hesitated. It sat for a long while and patiently waited for me to pick it up and start reading. The little voice of the book kept whispering to me.

Wine helps with so much — its many little voices speak to me in many different ways, and over a glass of Marquette, the book was opened.

Have you ever entered a door and never wanted to close it? The first page of “Poet Warrior” captivated me and pulled me to the second page and onward. Yes, there are poems but they are easily understood and they go nicely with the prose the author offers. Basically, the book is her story and the influences in her life that gave her wisdom, strength and guidance.

I poured a second glass of Marquette.

Harjo learns what it means to hear the tiny voices of her departed and those of her ancestors. From them, she gains the needed nourishment to become who she is today. Underlying her story is the necessity for us to not be afraid of our ancestral voices, but rather, ask for them, listen to them, learn from them and then act.

While reading the book, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between what Harjo was saying and wine. Wine has multiple voices. It speaks to all of our five senses — we see it, we taste it, we smell it, we can touch it and we can hear it. Sometimes those sensory discussions are very soft, and, other times, they are very loud and noticeable.

For instance, have you noticed the difference in taste between a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and one from Chile? For me, the voice from a New Zealand such wine is very low and gentle with notes of some green apple. The Chilean wine has a louder voice that excites you with its pineapple and mango tastes. Same wine, different voices, but oh, both so darn good!

How about a new age Zinfandel versus an Old Vine Zinfandel? Both of these liquids have a not-to-be ignored voice (taste), but they are so different. The newer Zinfandel speaks with a sassy voice and the Old Vine Zinfandel talks more subtlety. Why the difference? The old vine plant has deeper roots that gather the taste (dare I say wisdom?) of older soil.

Harjo’s ancestral voices are telling her to not forget her roots. They want her to listen to the accumulated knowledge of all her ancestors and let those sage voices lead her today. Are all the old voices going to be wise? No! Are all the wines you taste going to suit you? No! That’s why you listen to all of them and you make the decision of which to follow.

In your heart, as in your five senses, you will find wisdom. Listen to the sound of the wind, see the bird flying, touch the tree, taste the air and smell the flower. Then, you decide which pleases you and leads you into tomorrow.

Listen to the tiny soft voices of your departed and those of other ancestors. They are speaking to you, and in them, you’ll find wisdom and peace.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!

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