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
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Poteet Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 6:01 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.
Logan Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 6:43 PM
Hi Reason, and thank you very much for the visit and congratulations.
La France Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 2:12 PM
Jenna, wonderful poem, I love it and congratulations on your win in the contest _peace and tranquility ~
Logan Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 6:43 PM
Thanks ever so much, Constance.
Rodrigues Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 10:51 AM
Love this…cute and informative too! Congratulations!
Logan Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 6:42 PM
Thanks a bunch, Kim.
Alex Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 9:14 AM
Rich fruit for rich munch and lunch. Beautifully written. Congratulations!
Logan Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 6:42 PM
Thank you, Chris.
Caliri Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 8:55 AM
Congrats on 9th place out of 37 entries in my blackberry contest! I loved your first line, drew me right in.
Logan Avatar
September 8, 2022 at 6:42 PM
Thank you very much for the placement, Matt.
Fowler Avatar
August 3, 2022 at 7:31 AM
Very cute Jenna. A great contender for the contest! GL Linda
Logan Avatar
August 5, 2022 at 4:03 AM
Thanks an awful lot, Linda.
Young Avatar
August 1, 2022 at 10:12 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.
Logan Avatar
August 1, 2022 at 12:32 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.
Hankins Avatar
July 31, 2022 at 8:52 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!
Logan Avatar
August 1, 2022 at 12:31 PM
Oh, Milt! What an awfully tragic thing to happen to a young girl. I don't like blueberries. Thanks for your encouraging remarks.
Tor Avatar
July 31, 2022 at 7:46 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...
Logan Avatar
August 1, 2022 at 12:30 PM
Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts with me, Michael.
Gentile Avatar
July 31, 2022 at 4:32 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
Logan Avatar
July 31, 2022 at 4:53 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.
Martin Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 5:28 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!
Logan Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 5:33 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.
Raven Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 3:30 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
Logan Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 5:30 PM
;) ok Mike
Raven Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 4:10 PM
Send a peace my way, Please!!!!!!!!!
Logan Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 4:05 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.
Kavanagh  Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 6:18 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
Logan Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 1:00 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.
Horsman Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 5:59 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
Logan Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 12:58 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.
Cunningham Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 2:34 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
Logan Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 2:37 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.
Leffanta Avatar
July 29, 2022 at 6:43 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!
Leffanta Avatar
July 31, 2022 at 6:29 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!
Logan Avatar
July 30, 2022 at 2:18 AM
I can't think of a creature, wild or tame, that wouldn't love the tasty berries. Thanks, Rico.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace