An Ode to Cheese

An Ode to Cheese
But so much more
15 years ago a barely amber liquid took refuge within oaken walls
drawing strength from the oak, as a student draws wisdom from the master
the years slowly crept by, undisturbed, mellowing and aging
12 years ago wheels rolled across ancient floors, to be laid on cold stone slabs
moist and barely firm, drying slowing the cool cave darkness
waiting for that moment of perfection, to be revealed to the light
15 years ago my life was vastly different, busy with tasks and tumults,
who would have thought, then, that we would all meet someday,
an evening in May, along quiet waters, amidst family and friends

The tiny piece of Cheddar, cut from that giant wheel, reverently unwrapped
sweet aroma to the nose, the knife blade sliding through the creamy texture
the first taste, giving way to moans of delight, a cheesegasm of ecstasy
The now dark amber Scotch, mellowed and smoky, swirling in the glass
smoothly sliding across cheese coated lips, blending flavors and aromas
deeper moans of pleasure, as worldly cares slip away

But more than the pleasures of mere food and drink, are joys of companionship
of friends and family, all sharing the bounty, laughing and singing in the
flickering firelight, surrounded by love and caring and trust
the warm feeling of belonging again, and bringing new friends to meet old ones
along those quiet shores on an evening in May.