BRAMBLING

Fingers probe

Eyes strain

Balance in question

but the bramble is seized.

Plop in the tub

Its juice seeps to stain

Fingers turn purple

I’ll forage again

Ouch the thorn

But this is a beauty

Here’s another

No that one’s not ripe

Fingers stretch

Tickling the berry

Out of reach

Yet in sight

Tub is filling

Enough for a crumble?

Apple will supplement

Balance the fruit

Change the angle of sight

New berries appear

Steady now, be careful

Damn …that nettle!

Stinging fingers and wrist

Reddening appears itchy fist

Ahh see that bunch all ripe

A few more today

Lots for later in the week

God shares them that way.

Just one more handful will do.

Steady now. … Got it!

Ahhhhhhhhhh

The fall is cushioned by the mossy bank

No pain but much hurt

to see the berries on the ground

Foraging on knees re-gathering the crop

Will I find them all?

A robin redbreast nearby hopes not

The hour is dark

September chills

Roast chicken this evening

As ever on a Sunday

Cold on Monday

Spices of the East

Same bird, different taste

But then the Crumble

Bramble and Apple Crumble

Served with hot yellow custard

Warm, reekin, rich

What a glorious sight

The stings forgotten

The fall a mere slip

Crumble on the menu

Bramble to the lip.

MC