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and here I am, reading it again on June 5. A first rate poem.

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That "Blackberries"......A really fine poem. Probably would keep giving up secrets each time it's read.

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Such sweet memories while picking blackberries with your father.

Loved this poem!

Lines which spoke volumes—

“Habits cling like thorns”

“round belly ful of undigested secrets”

“Stains your tongue with memory’s juices”

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I loved meeting this young child! What a killer post with two beautiful poems. Is poets must never grow up, otherwise we might grow right out of poetry.

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Thanks for reading, Jason. Let's never grow out of poetry!

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I appreciate meeting the little girl. She reminded me of public school “Release Time” in a church basement. My only church experience in grade 3. It was the fifties 🤷🏼‍♀️

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Thank you for reading and sharing the memory, Shari.

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May 3, 2023
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Maybe a lot of poets start out with the same "equipment" in childhood - extra good at soaking up words, feelings, sense memories. The trick (for me) has been to become the kind of grownup who can make that kid feel safe enough to get chatty.

And yes, finding the connections between ourselves and strangers is a wonder, and a gift. Thank you for reading and replying!

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