Die Rebe ist ein Sonnenkind

By

Amanda Smeltz

•

•

Volume 07, The Literary Edition •
, ,
Photo credit Paula Redes Sidore

for S.B. with love 

Die Rebe ist ein Sonnenkind. Sie liebt den Berg und haβt den Wind.
So open your door already—for god’s sake, just let me in! 

Nothing to fear from wild slopes—a matter of terraces and grading.
Sankt Aldegund, your roses—they labor on unforgiving slate.  

Vigor derives from parameters. The desert ends with water.
Ritual is an amphora: it gives life room to breathe.  

The hag at the door is never a hag—she’s always a secret queen. 
Don’t you fear that ugly mug comes bringing revelation. 

The special red plum from the Mosel is imbued with healing power.
If you go to the oncologist, pack them in a jar.  

I stay up smoking with Ulli Stein, that kind and bohemian Doktor.
Two thousand years of agriculture, twenty bottles later,

I’m in need of elders. The accordionist heads onstage.
Doc, I’m not long for terra firma—protect me from my sin! 

Avatar photo

Amanda Smeltz studied philosophy and literature, and holds an MFA in poetry. She has been a sommelier and wine buyer in New York City for twelve years, most recently at the restaurants Estela and Altro Paradiso in Manhattan. Smeltz’ wine writing has appeared in Esquire and SevenFifty Daily. Her debut poetry collection is Imperial Bender (2013), and her verse has appeared in journals such as Prelude, [PANK], and Barrow Street, among others. In the summer of 2021, Smeltz was a fellow at The Mastheads, a writer’s residency held in Pittsfield, MA, on the grounds of Herman Melville’s farm.

Similar Posts