Daddy turned 65 recently, and I decided that the best gift would be a gift of writing. Walking down the wine aisle of Target inspired me. He loves wines, and I love wine labels, so I wrote poems that related to his life as they related to wine labels.
Daddy's Winey Poem
Well, you have reached the fun age of 65,
And in my opinion you’ve never looked better.
I want to share some thoughts with you,
And they come in the form of this “wine-y” little letter.
As you open each bottle of wine,
Pay close attention to the label.
The thoughts are actually found on the bottle
And some of them could sound a little unstable.
The first bottle is a Barefoot Merlot,
And there is a foot print right on the front.
Your childhood memories are the things to remember,
And that “this ole dog can still hunt!”
Stories? Yes, there have been many, and
we have seemed to lack much attention span.
From the little house you lived in in Irving,
To the cream you used to get from the milkman.
So take a hint from this wine label.
We won’t consider it a crime,
If, when you remember your childhood,
You get barefoot and have a great time!
The next bottle of wine is called 3 Blind Moose.
A pinot grigio is the grape that is used.
I should explain why I chose this wine
So that you can avoid being confused.
See, the moose on the front are supposed to be blind,
But we all know that they are not.
They see quite clearly through those funny shades.
It’s really great vision they’ve got.
This isn’t much different from my dear old dad.
My complete and utter respect you have earned.
I went through many troubles in my lifetime,
And a blind eye you have never turned.
The third bottle of wine is called Red Bicyclette,
And on the front is a large person riding a bike.
While there are lots of things that this makes me think of,
It’s your taste in music that I like.
From Lynard Skynnard to the Eagles,
Your taste in music runs very deep.
Queen’s “Fat Bottom Girls” and “Bicycle”
Certainly won’t put anyone to sleep.
So when you drink this bottle of wine,
Just imagine, if you will,
Shane stomping the floor of his bedroom to “Rock You”
And me downstairs trying to chill.
Your next bottle of wine is called Fish Eye,
And the label explains it all.
A man with the Fish Eye has a sixth sense
And can find the fish - big or small.
I like to remember our camping trips,
Although the number of them have been few.
Rain, Maroon Bells, and rope belts -
Isn’t it amazing how the time flew?
My fishing roots seem to run deep,
From cement ponds to a bamboo pole.
With this knowledge I hooked the man of my dreams.
We both have fishing line in our souls.
Another bottle of wine? Oh Yes!
And isn’t this an interesting name?
Menage a Trois – now that’s catchy!
Don’t worry, I promise this one is tame.
The label says to “take a walk on the wild side”
And, while I truly believe that you should,
It’s the concept of sharing that I thought of
So don’t let this get misunderstood
A more generous man I’ve never met.
As a child I always wanted more.
You gave and you gave without measure.
What more could a little girl ask for?
And finally, dear dad, the last bottle!
A label with a funny name and lots of words.
It even has a plant louse and (oops) on the front.
But don’t let that get you deterred.
Take a look at the headings and I think you will find,
“A Brilliant Future” is written at the top.
I can’t wait to see what life brings you.
There is lot’s more in store for this retired cop!
Look again at the words on the label.
You’ll see things like “distinctive”, “colorful”, and “complex.”
These words are perfect descriptions
For the man that everyone respects.
There are lots of other words we could look at.
On many lives your influence is intertwined.
But my favorite word on this label is “enhanced”
Because that is what you have done to mine.
