Raspberries

The sunshine is casting hazy light on emerald bushes

The ruby fruit glistens surrounded by silken strands

Of spider webs; the sweet notes of song birds

Are high pitched in the wind. On the dirt

Small feet are eagerly treading, and

POP!

In the mouth each raspberry is heading.

The dirt-covered fingers pull hard at a branch

Plucking with vigor sweet, tangy delights. The squeals

Drown the sounds of the geese flying high.

The sapphire eyes search for prize that misses

The bucket completely. The soft cheeks are stained

With the sheer joy of summer.

Each dew-washed berry, sun-ripened and hot,

Is melting my heart by a smiling result

For those toddlers teeth glisten pink on white.

As they beg with faces upturned for just one more berry

PLEASE!

~Caitlin Mallery