Blackberry Memories


We’d fill our buckets to the brim-- 
my brother, sis, and I--
and rush the juicy berries home
for Grandma’s cobbler pie,
our oatmeal, or for Mama’s jam . . . 
sweet scenes from days gone by. 

Those berries came to mean much more
than something good to eat.
They symbolize my innocence
before I was to meet
the complex workings of this world.
Not all of life’s a treat!

Today I smile and spread my jam
on lightly buttered toast.
My sometimes-friend Nostalgia’s come
to play the welcome host
of memories of childhood days,
the ones I relish most.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Brul Avatar
January 11, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Wonderful! Very heartwarming..Congratulations. warm wishes.^___^ JCB
Canerdy Avatar
January 16, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Thanks so much, JCB. Janice
Dietrich Avatar
January 8, 2025 at 1:16 PM
this is so homey , a really lovely little poem, Janice.
Canerdy Avatar
January 9, 2025 at 5:59 AM
THANKS so much. I'm really glad you like it, Andrea. Janice
Radice Avatar
January 8, 2025 at 5:42 AM
I love the rhyming and subject here Janice. It flows beautifully. I looked at the word “relish” there in the 3rd verse and wondered if - as well as meaning great enjoyment - that it was a possible play on words too for the blackberry jam? :) ..just me and how my mind thinks sometimes :) Cheers - Gary
Canerdy Avatar
January 9, 2025 at 6:01 AM
Gary, I am SO pleased with your wonderful response to my poem. Actually, there was no deliberate play on words. I am impressed with your take on that!! Janice
M  Avatar
January 4, 2025 at 1:51 PM
What a lovely poem of reflection Janice….enjoyed this! Debx
Canerdy Avatar
January 4, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Thanks so much, Deb. Janice
Bauer Avatar
January 4, 2025 at 12:46 PM
this is a delicious poem, janice, in every sense of the word! happy new year!
Canerdy Avatar
January 4, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Thanks so much, Ilene. Janice
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