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Blueberries

Blueberries

by Armand Garnet Ruffo

The end of summer
and we pick blue
berries, pluck them
with delicate precision
open ourselves to the goodness
of the world
that is theirs
drop the offering
onto our ready tongues
and drift into heavy clouds
bringing us to remember

Friends who move
marry
make pies and jam
they ate as children for their own children,
holding to the sweetness
they once loved.

And divorced
that's them too
when fingers cramp, stop,
mouths close in denial,
and the heart's want
is replaced by the sickly feeling
of having too much
too little.

But here kneeling in the ruins
of stumps as far as the eye can see,
we take these berries,
blue as the new life they are,
in gratitude
humility,
yet lustful for the taking.
The dusty logging road at our backs,
we stand, stretch to leave
at day's end
and laugh in our full desire
all the way home.

About this Poem

Cover of At Geronino's Grave

Originally published in the 2001 collection At Geronimo's Grave, which is out of print but which may be requested through InterLibrary Loan. Find more works by Armand Garnet Ruffo in the catalogue.

About the Poetry Blackboard

The Poetry Blackboard showcases poems curated by Kingston's Poet Laureate and written by Kingston poets. There's a new poem every month, written by poets living and dead, historical and contemporary, published and unpublished, adults and children, giving full range to the cultural voice of Kingston. Started in 2015 by Helen Humphreys, the Poetry Blackboard has been continued since 2019 by Jason Heroux.

We wish to thank Helen Humphreys, Kingston's second Poet Laureate, for her generous support of emerging and established poets in Kingston through library programming and our Poetry Blackboard project. Throughout her four years as Poet Laureate, Helen curated a digital collection of poetry to showcase the talents of local creators of all ages, both historic and contemporary. Helen also offered several opportunities for emerging poets to develop their craft, offering group workshops and one-on-one mentorship. Her active engagement with the library and community has been greatly appreciated.

In 2019 we welcomed the incoming Poet Laureate, Jason Heroux, who continues to curate the Poetry Blackboard and to develop new community programming.

Previously Published Poems