Labyrinth

Labyrinth Blackberries

I picked six blackberries
under the blue dome of heaven
and the curious gaze of a dragonfly.
Each one tasted different.

One was sour almost beyond bearing
but it made me aware
that sour ripens to sweet
with sunshine, space, and patience.

I held those purple gems
loosely
in my left palm
and experienced them
one by one.

This, I consumed
as a honeybee
frantically gathered pollen.

That, as a song sparrow
alighted on the swaying brambles
and unleashed joyful tidings
to no one in particular.

Another as the warming breeze
carried the scent of milkweed.

The last, the darkest, was swallowed
as I exited the entrance
newly schooled in the knowledge
that there are no separate moments
only one
forever unfolding.