That is Priceless by Steve Melcher for February 24, 2025

/// Rémi’s mother and aunt claim, “We’re fine.”

but they’ve finished four bottles of wine.

He made bold to intrude

with some coffee he’d brewed.

They’d be rude (and unwise) to decline.

/// His kid sister with Mom and Aunt sat,

feeling proud she’s allowed in their chat.

From the house he would gawk

at their adult “girl-talk.”

When he came near they shooed Rémi, “Scat!’

/// In the garden they’d gossip and drink;

speak of longing for love, but “Men stink!”

The pre-teen sipped wine, too,

(as the French children do).

Soon, three minds and three cycles in synch.

/// From those hours with her elders she spent,

Rémi’s sis took a cynical bent.

She avoided the boys.

From the grape came her joys.

Later on, to a convent she’s sent.