Monday, March 22, 2010

Strawberries - E. Morgan

Considering the place that Scotland holds in my heart, it would be a surprise if a Scottish poet was not represented.  But -surprise - it's NOT Robert Burns, at least not yet.  While Burns is considered by Scots to be Scotland's greatest poet ever, the poem below is by someone considered to be Scotland's greatest living poet.  The poem needs no introduction.  (This time, "clicking" on his name at the end will take you to his official website - since he was born in 1920, I have a feeling that someone other than him put it together!)
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Strawberries

There were never strawberries
like the ones we had
that sultry afternoon
sitting on the step
of the open French window
facing each other
your knees held in mine
the blue plates in our laps
the strawberries glistening
in the hot sunlight
we dipped them in sugar
looking at each other
not hurrying the feast
for one to come
the empty plates
laid on the stone together
with the two forks crossed
and I bent towards you
sweet in that air
in my arms
abandoned like a child
from your eager mouth
the taste of strawberries
in my memjory
lean back again
let me love you
let the sun beat
on our forgetfulness
one hour of all
the heat intense
and summer lighting
on the Kilpatrick hills

let the storm wash the plates

                                                                           Edwin Morgan - Scottish

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