The most important thing in communication
is hearing what isn't said.

Peter Drucker

XXI

Tuco reread Arlu's note.
It seemed like he was always reading a note
rather than sitting with her
talking.

That made it hard
to hear
what wasn't said.

The feminine rain fell quietly
as the sun rose
this morning.
Then sun
and dry sky
yet cold.
Now its dark, cold
and the rain returns
to gentle sounds.
Leaves splatter the rain into mist.

The wine is just right,
a Romanian Merlot
from near the Black Sea.
Tuco had been listening to a wine expert
describing the difference between Old World
and New World wine.
It is about two things, he learned.
One is the length of the growing season
with Old World (Europe) being shorter
than New World (non-Europe).
But that is twined to the habit of use.
Wine in Europe is about food
and the wine's acid is neutralized
by the meal
so the subtle flavors come out.
While the New World is about alcohol
more than about a meal
and the longer season and vinyards' plans
come to fruitier wine, less acidic.
A wine that stands on its own
and not as well with the companionship of food.

The gentle rain pauses.
The meal was hours ago.
This is a quiet evening, late
and lacks the companionship
Tuco desires.

The Navajo Sing-Festival was a week ago.
Planting can begin now. Changing Woman
creates a new season with this feminine rain.
Perhaps, Tuco hopes, it will bring Arlu
to share wine
and conversation.
Where he can hear what isn't said.