We scavenged, collecting Blackberries

We scavenged, collecting Blackberries

Burrs gathering on the sleeves of my jumper

One too many scratches on the back of my hands

Blood and berry juice combined.

Brambles wrap themselves around rocky outcrops

Squeezing ancient stones,

Betyl, that may as well be an ancient god

Ready to haul itself out of the ground

Rampage across the hillside

Chasing dandelion clocks

Stampeding cows

In a mad dash, all the way to the sea

Dissolving into saltwater.

So many berries never make it home

The stain of their consumption is visible

On my lips

You would kiss me then

We would lie together, cloud watching

It was a timeless moment

Summer pudding never tasted quite as good

As it did on that first day

After the berries were washed and soaked

Mixed with Raspberries, Blueberries and a little rum

The gods smiled down on us

The hillside an altar upon which

There was no demand

For blood sacrifice

Bramble scratches were sufficient

As an appeasement

There was equilibrium

Even if only for that one day.