I watch the ripe mulberry bush satisfy
the robin, the squirrel, and then orioles.
Each take their visit, grabbing the red ripe orbs but
then they leave the rest. They never snatch
a few extra berries — just in case. They’re not like me
plucking every luscious strawberry to store in refrigerated plastic.
I’m not like the trusting chipmunk who simply takes a bite.
As Jesus said, they trust tomorrow.
Can you imagine eating what you found
then scampering on tree trunks (or writing poems) all day long?
Then, when hungry again, savoring the freshest seeds?
Life would not be divided into yearnings, fear, or dread-filled duty.
Our days would simply be
one long song.
© Lewis-Barr 2025 Inspired by the book, The Gift, by Lewis Hyde.