The Scent of Strawberries

(Some say the name “strawberry” comes from the practice of covering the plants with straw to deter pests and retain moisture. However it seems the name strawberry far predates this procedure. Others suggest the name comes from the straw-like appearance of the seeds. My favorite explanation is that it comes from the Old English word for “strew,” because of the way the berries grow: strewn along the ground.)

The scent of strawberries

Found me today, opening the bar.

Like earth after rain:

Sweet

And wholesome.

Like the strawberry patch

In the backyard of my childhood,

Where tiny explosions of red

Hid among splotches of green and brown.

Fragrant treasure,

All the sweeter

For having been discovered, and plucked.

Later we washed them, like miniature rubies,

And ate them with water droplets

Still adorning their skin.

Thanks for reading!