Gooseberries

Gooseberries

Asking every time I go to her house

To find out whether the time is right

If the season has yet come round

When we can start the picking

Grandma cautious of the damage

That may be done to little hands

Finds the fabric gloves inside the shed

And finally gives the go-ahead

The thrill of impending danger

From the vicious scratching thorns

Hiding beneath the leaves of shiny green

To find and pluck the precious fruits

The light-green downy orbs

To fill the waiting basket

And emerge triumphant

Unscathed and only slightly scratched

Then Grandma hard at work

To top and tail the little beauties

Dredged in caster sugar

And hidden beneath the pastry crust

Of the pie we shall have tonight for tea

Then to commit the rest to jars and jams

That we might enjoy them longer

Bursts of luscious fruit in deep mid-winter

Copyright Andy Fawthrop 2017