Picking blackberries

So I am home to the brilliant light, the warm air, the soft water. Thinking about my talk on 24th august in Edinburgh, preparing myself, drawing out the threads which I will develop, and hoping for a receptive audience.

The sun is shining, the garden is still full, although here and there collapse is beginning, the drawing down to earth of the green curtain. The gladioli spikes are just coming into flower though, they will keep the autumn at bay; and the bulbs I will soon sow hold promises of spring.

This morning I went for a walk with Betsy and I gathered many blackberries. My fingertips became as horses lips, gently feeling their way around the soft fruit, and lifting them clear of their stems, and the nettles. Last night I had a dream of a man, who was letting me know that no embraces from him would be mine; I asked him therefore to withhold his gazes, for they had been as kisses,and I could not bear them.

Dahlias
Dahlias
Hollyhocks
Hollyhocks
Hollyhock with bee
Hollyhock with bee
Wonderful luscious Italian tomato, grown from seed, always a miracle!
Wonderful luscious Italian tomato, grown from seed, always a miracle!