I kneel
to pick ground cherries.

From high and far away comes
the caw of a big bird, I pretend
is more ominous than need be.

Such is the mood
I’m in.

I strip goji berries from their plant
knowing that I have alit on technique
that’s been known for ages, with
thumb and forefinger together, I erase
their trace from the branch.

From beyond the din far away
comes the caw of a big bird,
less of a portent than need be.

Such is the mood I’m in.

Chagall 2018