Liquid Courage

Hands neatly folded 
in my lap 
legs primly crossed 
The buttoned-at-the-neck blouse 
matches my decorous skirt 
I sit poised 
Calm fingers 
wrap themselves around 
the stem of the glass 
from which 
I delicately sip 
the wine 
I'd rather toss back 
in a single gulp 
I want to throw caution 
to the winds 
and tell you how I feel 
but I need the courage 
of the red liquid 
running through 
my veins 
so I can let the 
giddy relief 
of confession 
go to my head 
quicker than the Merlot 
I'm imbibing 
with such abandon 
or is it a Cabernet 
Does it matter?
Just keep my glass filled 
for if I don't uncork
my emotions today 
they will stay sealed
ageing in the cask
that is my heart

© 2014 Uma Venkatraman ~ All Rights Reserved