Web: Claudia Pilbeam

The first step in picking Everyone’s favourite berry Aggregated drupe: the container.

I needed a container to put you in Something to preserve Sealed away for freshness So as to not bruise.

When choosing strawberries For picking, just do what feels natural Look every time, for flushed red ripe

I chose you; did you know? I picked you, Jupiter I gravitated toward You from across the fields Of green and brown and Black space. Jupiter Your swirling reds said You might be ready.

How To Pick Strawberries

You’ll notice when they’re ready for you, Take off your sunglasses They are larger, full, whole. A whole person with a whole life Gently twist the stem between Your fingers and pull.

I watch your fingers You pull on me You ask me if I’m sad. Sadder for loving you? No! Never! Sad that our strawberry Isn’t ready?

Maybe it isn’t the right season.

I can wait, little strawberry.