This is a terrific poem about wine, one that speaks to the communal joy that comes with sharing a bottle and experiencing a glass (or two) with others. And there is no other piece that effectively captures that moment so often experienced after dinner with family and friends.

I first heard this poem read by Garrison Keillor on the radio when traveling to IPNC in July 2008. What a profound moment to have heard this on the same day I was planning to join hundreds of fellow pinot lovers at this event.

"The Good Nights"
by Joseph Mills

On the good nights
when the bottle's empty
we always want
just a little more,
half a glass,
a few sips,
a taste.
We know
this desire
can be dangerous
to pursue,
that it can make
mornings difficult,
so usually we
brush our teeth
let the dog in,
lock the doors,
but sometimes,
even as we say
We really should
get ready for bed,
instead of loading
the dishwasher
we will search
for the corkscrew,
all the while
shaking our heads
in wonder
at this willingness
to ignore the clocks
and the fact we have
to work tomorrow,
this irresponsibility,
this evidence
even after all these years
of the unquenchable desire
for each other's company.

Reprinted with permission from the author.
Angels, Thieves, and Winemakers: Wine Poems. © 2008