the lessons learned (from the episode of the wine glass)

when the glass
with the fine
thin
bowl

fell
from the careless
edge
of the table

the decanter
for a moment
ceased
to breathe

as it tilted
on its journey
parallel
to the wooden indifference
of the table leg
a spring
in the mechanism of the door
between kitchen
and dining
softly twanged

almost horizontal
the deep red liquid
now uncommonly lively
and in the form of a small
tidal lake
washed around the glass barriers
of its confinement
in the agitation
of pending release

while the lamp beside the armchair
flickered briefly
once

twice

and the shade it wore
appeared
judging by its shadow
to tremble

the wine
at last
lunged

surging

the crystal
of the glass
almost
seemed to call out
in a high pitched squeal

but the blinds
had seen nothing
and the sound
of the slap of liquid
followed by
the scrunch of glass
on glass
was such surprise
that the Hollands
opened

but there
beyond the window
the darkness holds itself
aloof
from such things
and
moist red mess aside
the incident
caused little wonder

when the pieces
finally
settled
there was reflection
all around

but nothing was observed
except
the carpet
so thirstily engaged
in seriously drinking

~

Poem #530 from a series of poems drawn from the imagination and collected as: a Bachelard reverie.