What're The Mazers Doing Next Door?

Awakening... what day is it?
Oh... have to get ready
and load up all of the supplies.

Trying to remember the details:
carboys, buckets, honey,
don't forget the yeast, the canes...

Crazy thing to do, really -
making such an ancient libation
in a world so rejectful of the past.

Better take some of the old mead.
They'll be cooking out, socializing...
Ah! Dammit! Forgot the water!

After a panicky half hour drive -
can't stand it when I'm late -
others (more relaxed) arrive late.

This itself is another awakening.
Really, a gathering, of like minds
who are much closer to zen than I.

Well, time to start the process
filling the buckets with honey,
water, get the yeast ready...

mix it thoroughly as more arrive.
Start the racking process, calm down,
share your methods with friends.

Share your mead with friends,
and, of course, partake of theirs...
"Yeah Greg, I have extra yeast packets".

Ashes start falling from the sky.
Ah, the fire must be going out back.
"Hey Stacy, try this Oktoberfest I've got".

"How did you like the BFB Competition?".
"It was awesome! Got to know some judges".
"I think I can do it. Get certified".

"Yeah, Tommy wants to be a judge too".
Really, who wouldn't want to do it?
Be a competent beer & mead judge.

As the afternoon wanes, stories begin.
Stories about those no longer with us
and all of the things that they did.

Larry and his hot peppers,
the guy that made the best stouts...
"Check out this Flemish ale. It's good!".

Paul starts laughing at the jokes.
His wife constantly rolling her eyes.
All the guys laughing, hysterically.

Our host, thanks us for his new career
at the local brewery. "It's because of y'all".
I think his words slurred a little there.

It was a great brewing event, though,
as some start loading their ferments
and finding their ways back home.

The sky is greyer than it was earlier
and the cold night is approaching.
My trip home is quiet and calm.

But this was a day I will fondly look back on
and these newly made batches of mead
will ensure all of the stories yet to come.