Martin and the Vintner
Were strolling "mongst the vines,
As past the pond they wandered
As they had before betimes.
Said Martin, "Such a day in spring
Does make my stomach pine!"

The Vintner said "Then sit us here,
And speak of food and wine.
Perhaps Gamay or Chardonnay
Would suit us as we dine,
On wild asparagus or leeks,
That you prepare so fine."

Said Martin "Oh there's just one thing
"Twould make my palate moister.
Forever more I'd bless this day
If I could feed on oyster,
With something light and crisp and white
To drink we would then roister!

"I've just the thing!" the Vintner cried,
His face with fervence mottled
My new Melon ("tis dry as bone!)
Has only now been bottled!
They leapt and dived, embraced, high-fived,
Emotions ran unthrottled.

Then Martin raised a finger, "Wait!
We've not yet won the day.
We still need acquiescence from
The venerable V-Q-A.
So go we now to supplicate
And plead they not say nay."

So Martin and the Vintner
Took Melon to V-Q-A.
The panel queried, "Why's there
Nearly ten percent T-A?
If nearer nine we're sure we'd sign.
Perhaps another day..."

Martin and the Vinter
Rode back in Martin's truck
"Some days" said Martin, "make me wish
I didn't give a whit.
Oyster wine needs acid spine
Or you don't know Melon from sauce."

Before you pause to ponder why
The last verse so ill-rhymes,
'06 Melon by V-Q-A
Was tasted two more times.
"Good news!" they told the Vintner,
Who replied it rang his chimes.

The Vintner left a message
For Martin on his cell
He went to see him by the pond
For the feast they'd planned so well.
But all that remained was a bottle drained
Of Melon, and empty shells.