I was given an orchard
By my grandmother,
A keen gardener,
Who encouraged me to be one too.
I loved the anticipation,
The excitement,
Of seeing blossom-laden trees
Become a supply of beautiful pears.
I still hand-pick them,
Because they bruise so readily,
And I always marvel at
Their voluptuousness,
Both colour and shape,
And the sun bloom on their skin.
© Caro Ness 2016
Photo: Veronica Sheather