“Toasting from Warm-up to Stirrups”

by Daniel W. Ross

“Between the first and second glasses of vodka, even bullets should not have time to fly.” Since the years when I first saw you, and the aching that ensued, I still understood that toast. For our meeting— Where do you go when I open my eyes? Do you still smile in that instant, amidst cheerful drinks? Warmth like salo butter, or saltiness as ocean water on black bread? Both pleasant depending upon taste. For our friends, happiness, and health— Budmo! I remember our “family” dinners, adventures, joys, and tears in the small city flat. Ah, and of course, to love— Golden wheatfields sheltered my heart, passion lit the blue skies ablaze. Then reciprocated: To strength, care, and reliability— And we honored our families next, To grandparents, parents, and future generations; from the cold shadow of great patriotic wars yielding iron curtains, to the bright hope of liberty, and the struggle to hold what was earned. To the warriors, those no longer with us— Even more somber for a decade now, They drink to the nation and their heroes. On it goes, before all get on the horse, and get into the stirrups. These beautiful evenings continue, despite the real bullets that fly between glasses of vodka; bullets hurled by those who toast: “Vodka is the enemy, so, we will utterly consume it.”

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Dr. Daniel W. Ross grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where he developed a love for poetry and creative writing at Gilman School and Goucher College. He finds inspiration from his travels across the globe and has visited or worked in many ambiguous, high-stress, and complex environments in over 40 countries. Dr. Ross enjoys time with his wife and two daughters; he also enjoys mountaineering, rock climbing, hiking, and everything about the outdoors. His poetry has been published in As You Were: The Military Review, Mouthful of Salt, Washington Writers’ Publishing House, and Plants & Poetry. 

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