I'd never noticed how patiently
The empty wine bottles stood together
In their corner of the kitchen
A forgotten troop
Guarding the residue
Of pleasures passed
Their chain of command long lost
Still they remain at their posts
Awaiting orders
Well
remained
that is
Until a cat
Carpet propelled and
Linoleum greased
Made ten-pins of the lot
Spun them like
Kisses were at stake
Left them sprawling
Drunken wine-bottle soldiers
Relieved of all duty
and decorum