blackberry
a lush & safely hidden resting place
within a labyrinth of thorny canes -
quail & rabbits run the arching lanes
beneath the flood of blossoms that embrace
the morning sun. the leaves transform its heat
into the fuel of berries that will feed
the birds & mammals & their autumn greed,
those golden days when fruits hang dark & sweet.
the blackberry is generous & sly.
a merry laughter ripples through her leaves.
with thorns she teaches to accept the pain
that comes with sweetness as with love, then by
the tangle of her roots & brambles weaves
the happy power of communal gain.
from Corona Flora by Sandy Eastoak