Pressing
On an autumn day as winds grew colder
When summer was past and the year was older
They gathered together for the pressing, dressing
In warm sweaters, they sat on chairs
Around low benches, working in pairs
Washing, preparing. Sharing
Jokes as they worked, they laughed
Teased each other, chaffed
Told stories of their youth
Said things like, “Ain’t that the truth?”
And “Everything and nothing seems
To change, not even in our dreams…”
They shivered, moving on
To the table set on the lawn
On late greens and later squash, they fed
Handing ‘round slices of home made bread
Spread with berries they’d preserved
They served
Up toasts and a bit more laughter
Congratulated each other, and after
Shaking heads of gray and brown
And putting their glasses down
They exchanged recipes and goodbyes
Divided the cider and the supplies
Kissed each other on the cheek
Promised to call later this week
Shook hands, nodded their heads
And went home to turn down their beds
All words and music by Dave Hall ©
Publisher: Row House Music PRO: ASCAP
