Poems (Jackson)/Vintage

by Helen Hunt Jackson

VINTAGE.

EFORE the time of grapes,
 While they altered in the sun,
And out of the time of grapes,
 When vintage songs were done,—

From secret southern spot,
 Whose warmth not a mortal knew;
From shades which the sun forgot,
 Or could not struggle through,—

Wine sweeter than first wine,
 She gave him by drop, by drop;
Wine stronger than seal could sign,
 She poured and did not stop.

Soul of my soul, the shapes
 Of the things of earth are one;
Rememberest thou the grapes
 I brought thee in the sun?

And darest thou still drink
 Wine stronger than seal can sign?
And smilest thou to think
 Eternal vintage thine?