Notes About The Poem

Mulberries

A cricket chirps, a sparrow sings 
     Grasshoppers glide on chattering wings.
A summer’s day in august thus begins.
     Each crack upon the sidewalk 
Breaks another mother’s back.
     Each needle is forever lost 
In some remote haystack.
     A child close examines dirt 
And sees the wonder of the stars.
     Collects the neighbors spiders 
In his mother’s pickle jars.
     Such life these precious moments 
Meant to be the essence of existence 
     Lived by you and me.
A tree really meant to be climbed  
     Born of purpose, just as we 
Who, in the shallowness of youth 
     Are meant to climb, heading into sky 
Leaning on a rising trunk 
     To gaze through leaves
Contemplate the spots of snot
     Remaining on our sleeves
Searching for treasures 
     Seeking the perfect mulberry 
To complete a perfect day.
     Purple or red, green and growing,
Tiny spearlike tips of black; 
     Phonograph needles set to track 
Sweet music from the grooves 
     Of any hungry tongue
Windowpane reflections 
     On each juicy surface shining
Growing ever larger 
     As it closes to your mouth.
Could this one berry fill us now? 
     How many can we eat?
Each one more beautiful 
     Than all the rest. 
Each one the best.
     Finger ridges purple stained 
Like contours on a map.
     Fingerprints of criminals 
Stealing berries 
     From the neighbors tree.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Brewer Avatar
April 28, 2021 at 6:11 AM
Oh! The childhood memories so vividly described, when we lived close to reality of nature before that of electronic virtuality. Well expressed, Vernon.
Gelok Avatar
April 13, 2021 at 8:13 PM
I just read this with sincere interest. I pictured my boys in and around the trees and yes, stealing berries. Good poem.
Sands Avatar
April 13, 2021 at 2:13 PM
Great poem Vernon. I enjoyed this :)
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