The Kings and Queens Drink Wine

The kings and queens drink wine
Safe in their turrets
Atop their castles
Made of iron and steel and glass

Yet here I am drinking to you
This beer made of hops, water and gold
Without the safety net
Of men armed at every doorway and border

But knowing I am feeling better
Alone in my peasant quarters
Thinking about how much lovelier you are

Than the kings and queens
Morose in their elaborate chambers
Alone or with one they do not love
And wondering why life
Is so unjust
As they order another
Of their seemingly endless
Bottles,

Crying
Into sheets of silk.