A row of round fruits on a vine,red berries in profusion, straining against their skins.
Some have burst.
Juice stains the leaves brown-black.
Tiny thorns line the stalks
fine as fur, bristling sharp.
They sting to touch.
The sting itches.
The vine defends its seeds.
fine as fur, bristling sharp.
They sting to touch.
The sting itches.
The vine defends its seeds.
Tighter to the vine,
smaller, hanging higher,
this fruit is mottled green.
It is firm to the tooth. It resists being plucked.
It bursts between the teeth, a tang and sting.
Sour fruit.
