Harvest

It's September. On a Tuscan farm

the vines, gravid with ripe grapes,

wait for the berries to be picked

and crushed underfoot to be made

into ambrosial, delicious nectar.

A large contingent of farmworkers

will soon arrive for the arduous toil

and will be welcomed with open arms.

Under a pergola with climbing Clematis

a refectory table is laden with food.

Cheese, prosciutto and various salads

will provide aliment for the gathering

at midday when the lunch break is due.

They'll eat al fresco, out in the open,

but no alcohol will touch their lips.

They must stay sober while on the job.

Mineral water or fruit juice will suffice

to quench their inextinguishable thirst.

They will be able to enjoy a fine wine

when their assignment is finally over.

After the harvest, a feast will ensue

with a family and friends get-together.

“The more, the merrier”, is the cry,

and all the villagers flock to the venue

to partake in the copious food supply.

© Luigi Pagano 2020