MILAGRO
Manuel took a sip and felt archangel’s wings sprouting from his shoulders. The sun peered down on the verbena from above and envied that mortal who deciphered the universe in a glass of Jerez brandy. Time itself wished to witness the miracle’s origin.
The days receded like watercolor Pegasuses: the Guadalquivir reversed its waters to the purest snow; the barrels transmuted into distant oaks; the grape pickers rejuvenated with each rewound harvest; coffins refloated to bring forth legions of the living; so many children became little fish in maternal lagoons. Sixty years melted away, and time halted its regression.
The sun kisses a cluster of grapes with a gentle warmth.
Once again, life flows toward the future.
It will take more than half a century of artistry and patience before Manuel can raise the glass of brandy to his lips and take flight. Soar through the air.
Nicolás Medina Cabrera
