Blackberries

In September we picked blackberries,
unaware of the guarding spiders
and the thorny twigs.

Then home, with baskets full of berries,
scratched fingers stained purple, arms and legs
stinging-nettle sore.

Mother’s blackberry and apple pie,
with sour green apples from our own tree,
so good, delicious.

Worth a stinging and braving the spiders.
Nothing before or since can compare
With that deserved feast.