Chardonnay leaves in early
summer. When I was a girl,
Dad tried to teach me
each variety by the shape
of its leaves. But I just
wouldn’t listen. I couldn’t.

i learned the color green
hiding from the hot

summer sun as i played
beneath the vines,

waiting for my mom to
come and get me or

inka, my dog, or stubbie
our cat. yes, chardonnay

leaves are much more
open than pinot, but

still i’ve been taught to be
careful anyway because

there’s newts and snakes
and gophers who also

come out to work or play
oh, and cabernet!