Blackberry Gathering

Blackberry Gathering

A Poem by Chris Shaw
"

Elizabeth Adela Forbes, Walker Art Gallery Liverpool

"
Dressed in pinafore dresses, crisp cotton sun bonnets
Two young girls are busy picking blackberries
A woman with fair hair, loosely fixed in a bun assists
She shows no concern that her skin is exposed to sun
Rays beat through a dominant blue sky, interspersed with cloud
Shadows dance on her skirt, a pail hangs heavy over one arm
Into the distance a patchwork expanse of Cornish fields
A hamlet of cosy homes nestles in their midst
The artist concentrates on activity of movement
Her brush delicate on facial features and small hands
A blue enamel bowl is held by one young gatherer
Almost filled to the brim, ripe fruit oozing purple-red stain
The second girl's fingers, fumble in the brambles
More berries feed into a straw basket with two handles
Soon their kitchen will become as active as a hive,
Their harvest prepared, and preserved for leaner days
When ground is barren, hardened by winter frost
And logs burn brightly warming the sharp icy air

© 2018 Chris Shaw


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Featured Review

What fond memories this stirs of summer berry picking adventures. We used to cut the tops off milk jugs and run a wide belt through the handles and around our waist to leave both hands free for picking. My brother and I picked fifty gallons in a morning and an afternoon one year. I enjoyed the read.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

So pleased this poem brought some happy memories back Fabian. Your response appreciated.

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Reviews

As I’ve told you before, I love seeing art thru your words! Maybe even better than going to a gallery! You really tell a story with the way you describe a painting. I love it becuz it’s quite different than my own style of describing a photo, for example. Your style is so refreshingly different yet something I also love to do! My own blackberries are just starting to ripen. I ate the first 4 ripe ones right off the vine last evening! *yippee!* Fondly, Margie

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

I also make blackberry jam Margie. Lovely. Thank you so much for your review.
What fond memories this stirs of summer berry picking adventures. We used to cut the tops off milk jugs and run a wide belt through the handles and around our waist to leave both hands free for picking. My brother and I picked fifty gallons in a morning and an afternoon one year. I enjoyed the read.

Posted 6 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Chris Shaw

6 Years Ago

So pleased this poem brought some happy memories back Fabian. Your response appreciated.

read more

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22 Reviews
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Added on June 9, 2018
Last Updated on June 9, 2018

Author

Chris Shaw
Chris Shaw

Berkshire, United Kingdom



About
Albert, my paternal grandfather introduced me to Tennyson when I was nine. I have loved poetry ever since but did not attempt writing a single piece until I was 40. It's never too late to try somethin.. more..

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