The universe began as a grain so dense
its burden was precisely the blossom
of existence. Bourbon begins as at least 51%
corn. The mash is gathered, ground, & slurried
to sourness, consumed by yeast & funneled
into copper pots that rely on nothing but fire
to yield clear liquor then calmed by years
in barrels of new burnt oak. No one
has sinned so fully to escape forgiveness
when treated by heat, time, & circumstance.
I knew that everything worthwhile started
as something lesser when dad didn’t defend
his decision to leave. What is polished
to fullness is done so through acts of love.