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Blackberry Pickin'

I woke when dawn peeked through my window. Started pacing the floor back and forth, to and fro, waiting for daylight to get to the blackberry patch, intending to pick the ripe ones as my first batch. Yesterday, I saw bunnies nibbling on the berries. It was sunset, and their feeding time never varies, so, I'd get to pick some very early this morning and let them know I was around, as a warning. I tried to be patient, waiting for the dew to dry. That's what the almanac said, so it wasn't a lie. Picking them wet makes them mold and squish. That sure doesn't make them sound very delish! I got dressed and watched as the sun rose higher before taking my bucket to the blackberry briar. I was eager to start before the sun got too hot, and kept a look out for rabbits, but none did I spot. First berry I had to taste to see if it was sweet, knowing the darkest ones would be best to eat. I got half a pail full before mom called, "Breakfast," but after school I'd be back to gather all the rest. I could almost taste how delicious they would be, baked in a juicy cobbler or a blackberry pie for me. Then, I'd leave the rest for the rabbits to munch so, for a few days they'd all have enough for lunch. July 29, 2022 Your Thoughts on Blackberries Contest Sponsor: Matt Caliri

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Reason A. Poteet

Date: 9/8/2022 6:01:00 PM

Good to see some examples of country living here on PS. Life on the farm has treasures to cherish for a lifetime of remembrance. I remember picking up pecans and persimmons too from off the ground and shaking the apple tree branches because I was afraid to climb. Congratulations on a great piece.

Jenna Logan
Date: 9/8/2022 6:43:00 PM

Hi Reason, and thank you very much for the visit and congratulations.

Constance La France

Date: 9/8/2022 2:12:00 PM

Jenna, wonderful poem, I love it and congratulations on your win in the contest _peace and tranquility ~

Jenna Logan
Date: 9/8/2022 6:43:00 PM

Thanks ever so much, Constance.

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 9/8/2022 10:51:00 AM

Love this…cute and informative too! Congratulations!

Jenna Logan
Date: 9/8/2022 6:42:00 PM

Thanks a bunch, Kim.

Christuraj Alex

Date: 9/8/2022 9:14:00 AM

Rich fruit for rich munch and lunch. Beautifully written. Congratulations!

Jenna Logan
Date: 9/8/2022 6:42:00 PM

Thank you, Chris.

Matt Caliri

Date: 9/8/2022 8:55:00 AM

Congrats on 9th place out of 37 entries in my blackberry contest! I loved your first line, drew me right in.

Jenna Logan
Date: 9/8/2022 6:42:00 PM

Thank you very much for the placement, Matt.

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 8/3/2022 7:31:00 AM

Very cute Jenna. A great contender for the contest! GL Linda

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/5/2022 4:03:00 AM

Thanks an awful lot, Linda.

Steven Young

Date: 8/1/2022 10:12:00 AM

Mmmm... takes me back to my days in Northwest Washington where blackberry bushes abound, and my childhood days in Wyoming where I picked wild plums and choke cherries for my mom to make jellies and wine. Lucky bunnies, that you left some for! Thanks, Jenna.

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/1/2022 12:32:00 PM

Northwest Washington is such a beautiful place. I'm not familiar with choke cherries, but I'd eat anything in jelly form. Bunnies have to eat, too. Lol Thanks, Steven.

L Milton Hankins

Date: 7/31/2022 8:52:00 AM

Loved your poem, although I'm not particularly fond of blackberries unless they are super ripe and sweet from the vine. My grandmother lost an eye while blackberry picking when she was a young girl. Back then, there wasn't much they could do about it. Anyway, I'm a fan of blueberries and raspberries. Good writing. I think it's a winner!

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/1/2022 12:31:00 PM

Oh, Milt! What an awfully tragic thing to happen to a young girl. I don't like blueberries. Thanks for your encouraging remarks.

Michael Tor

Date: 7/31/2022 7:46:00 AM

Such a cute expression of delightful words Jenna. Your kind heart radiates in this scrumptious and sharing blackberries with hungry rabbits. Love how you shared and were considerate of them by sharing. Such a sweet gesture. I love this type of berries and you are right the darker ones are the sweetest. Brought back thoughts of my picking them and looking for the dark ones. small world to share the same thoughts. God bless you and enjoy the rest of your weekend...

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/1/2022 12:30:00 PM

Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts with me, Michael.

Mark Massey

Date: 7/31/2022 7:04:00 AM

Good morning Jenna, it’s quite refreshing to read this on a Sunday morn. The wording is soothing and bright. It reads like the first page of a book that starts to tell the story of that little boy you’ve depicted picking those berries…wonderful writing style.

Jenna Logan
Date: 8/1/2022 12:29:00 PM

That's true, Mark. I've read all of Hemingway's works, but the Old Man and the Sea is my favorite. In Senior year Lit, I had the assignment to rewrite the ending, and wish I'd kept it. Thanks for your follow-up.

Mark Massey
Date: 7/31/2022 8:12:00 AM

Hemingway’s novels read like a poet was behind his pen (or a typewriter in his case). You never know where your writing style(s) may take you…or those that read your stuff.

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/31/2022 7:15:00 AM

I've never thought of an opening paragraph for a book. I'm not a novelist, but I think you're right about a story line. The little one's focus on the berries begged me to use it for my photo. Thank you for the kind compliments, Mark.

Mike Gentile

Date: 7/31/2022 4:32:00 AM

I grew up in the city and never had the experience of picking berries. Your endearing entry creates a soft, sweet image that despite my unfamiliarity, I can relate too. This is a gentle, kind read and I really enjoyed it this morning with my coffee! Good luck and Happy Sunday Jenna xxoo

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/31/2022 4:53:00 AM

Ok, city boy. Your comments made me smile to think of you drinking coffee while reading poetry. If only you'd had a slice of blackberry pie to go with it. Thanks a lot, Mike.

Terrell Martin

Date: 7/30/2022 5:28:00 PM

Jenna, it's apparent you have quite a Fan Club and I feel honored and special to be in such high-minded and uplifted company - thanks to you and your amazing gift of poetic "Wordology." Great job (again) on "Blackberries" - I can almost taste them through my computer screen!

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/30/2022 5:33:00 PM

A virtual food tasting! Wouldn't that be awesome? Thanks, Terry. My friends and I respect each other by commenting to show our support for each other. It's encouraging to know that we get views, but without the remarks, we have no idea how our poetry is being received. It's in the sincerity of a comment that I find reward.

Vladislav Raven

Date: 7/30/2022 3:30:00 PM

Hi Jenna, I do love those blackberries but I was always stealing the strawberries from a neighbour's garden. They kept blaming one animal or another until I owned up. For owning up I got some jars of strawberry jam and I did not pick any more strawberries. I think I should jump right into your poem and gorge myself on some delicious blackberries. Loved this one. Now I'm off to the kitchen to have something to eat. No will power. Have a wonderful evening. Hugs always ..... Mike. XX

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/30/2022 5:30:00 PM

;) ok Mike

Vladislav Raven
Date: 7/30/2022 4:10:00 PM

Send a peace my way, Please!!!!!!!!!

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/30/2022 4:05:00 PM

Thanks so very much for your 'juicy' comments, Mike. I haven't picked berries in a very long time, but I'm hungry for some cobbler.

David Kavanagh

Date: 7/30/2022 6:18:00 AM

Heya Jenna, looks like we all did some wild blackberry picking as children, your poem is a little treat down memory lane, you must have been careful, my fingers and arms used to shredded by the thorns, but it was worth it when my Mam made the blackberry pies, a delectable delicious poem, cheers David

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/30/2022 1:00:00 PM

You have to wear long sleeves to prevent scratches. The thorny stems are little but MEAN. Juice dribbling down the chin and smiling the whole time we picked. I remember my Mom yelling to leave some so she could make a pie. Thanks so much for commenting, David.

Harry Horsman

Date: 7/30/2022 5:59:00 AM

I remember many years ago, the blackberry picking, your poem takes me right back to then, love the poem and the memory you reactivate. Jenna, thank you. Harry

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/30/2022 12:58:00 PM

There was a large patch of them not too far from where I grew up, and we couldn't wait until they ripened. Warm cobbler was so yummy. I'm glad to have jogged your memory with my poem. Thanks, Harry.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 7/30/2022 2:34:00 AM

An enjoyable tale Jenna, have done that a few times and my hand sticky and covered in purple dye lol. Good luck and have a great weekend. Tom

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/30/2022 2:37:00 AM

Top o' the mornin' to ye, Sir Thomas of Cunningham. Thanks for liking my juicy poem. I hope to have a good weekend and wish the same for you.

Rico Leffanta

Date: 7/29/2022 6:43:00 PM

Back in the '80s, I planted blackberries all over Arizona wilderness areas as they are a treat to more than bunnies, especially in the desert! Enjoyed your poem!

Rico Leffanta
Date: 7/31/2022 6:29:00 PM

August & September are the best months for transplanting blackberries in the wilderness as it gives them a chance to recover from the shock before winter comes, and that is when they spread out their roots. Have fun! Aloha!

Jenna Logan
Date: 7/30/2022 2:18:00 AM

I can't think of a creature, wild or tame, that wouldn't love the tasty berries. Thanks, Rico.