Wild Raspberries

by Yenta

I visit a friend
Yes, a nursing home
We prepare to pick wild raspberries
Old coffee cans with string handles
Latched to our jean belt loops
We did this as hippies

We sing a few songs
Oh, what a beautiful morning!
We discuss the best spots
Will there be enough for jam?
Maybe just a pie (but ice cream)
We sip a bit of water through a straw

Soon it will be ice chips
We slip into quiet sleep
Thanks be to God
For all good things
Go pick those wild raspberries
Time is good, but short.

(In memory of Sandy Johnson)