Beset by nettles, how can this be?
I, great lover of blackberries,
Merely meant to pluck the biggest
And the best of the spreading patch.
But berries here are better guarded.
Though they grow bigger and tempt
Unequal to Wisconsin's strain,
So is their defense the greater:
Fierce thorns that hook and tear;
Larger leaves that hide the prize.
But worst of all be nettles hid
Like bees beneath the berry leaves.
Pick and sting and scratch and spread--
A brush against the bitter leaves
Leaves lasting memory:
Temptation may taste sweet but is not free.
Posted by at August 13, 2004 5:35 PM