The Rambler, the Sommelier and You

A poem from Bruce Willard, referencing Rambler's legendary folding front seat.

The Rambler, the Sommelier and You

This is where we parked in the rain.

This is where we turned

off the Rambler’s vacuum wipers

and slotted open the windows

                         to hear the insects of summer.

                 

This is where we folded down the seats

to hear the storm of adolescence.

Afterwards, the Rambler’s roof was a sky of stars -                                                                                                                          

enough for both of us

although I knew nothing of  yours,

or you of mine.

I did not know your favorite color or smell.

                 

But I was a sommelier

                        just out of school with a new key

                        and a stash of Mateus, Catawba and Apple Wine

                        and you were taken by the list

of choices, tasting each

with non-committal patience

                         and I fumbled with the hardware of my youth.