Ode to Fermentation
Introduction
As noted earlier, as of February 2015, I began trying to maintain a high level of productivity so that, should I ever be inspired, I'll produce something worthwhile. I wrote Winter of Discontent, and the next day, I was inspired to write this, which began on my way to karate (Wednesday, February 5) and completed it on my subway commute (Thursday, February 6)
To the tune of Dargason
When Noah came from Ararat
He put some grapes into a vat
He let it sit and soon enough
He had a cup of fizzy stuff
Now beers and ale are made from grain
With hops to make them not so plain
But if you should more taste prefer
Then try a Belgian lambic, sir!
To make a brandy boil some wine
Distill some beer for whiskey fine
Then age in oak if you can wait
Or drink it down as moonshine straight.
But pity poor Mohammad's kin
Who can't partake of rum or gin
No grain or fruit may they ferment
So honey mead is heaven sent!
Since vineyards take some years to grow
You can't make wine while on the go
So Mongol nomads and their ilk
Drink kumiss made from horse's milk.
Sometimes a drink displays its name
To tell us all from whence it came
But if Burgundian ports are sacked
What should we call the wine unpacked?
Your meat may spoil and soon turn vile
Beware of onions left awhile
But grain and fruit and honey sweet
Will Bacchus turn to pleasant treat!
Notes
I tried to perform this at a bardic circle at Pensic 44, and made a newbie mistake the first time I did this piece: I tried to read it off a Device, by firelight, after having a drink or two (or three). Any one of these would have been a challenge; all three together combined to produce what may have been my worst performance in decades. It's good to fall on your face occasionally, as it keeps you honest; for those who saw my execrable performance, many apologies for having wasted your time.