Basket

"Do not handle brightness lightly;
It is the deepest darkness of our candle flicker."
Richard Montfort Cary

Grasses woven by nimble fingers,

Dried into a basket that can

Carry apples from the orchard,

Tomatoes, cucumbers from the garden

A picnic lunch to the sandy beach,

Pecans gathered from the big tree 

At the foot of the hill

Pinecones from the woods,

Pears in September.

Sturdy handles—easy, soft to grip, 

Balanced, breathable wicker

Washed with rain,

Dried by wind and sun

Full of the smell of fruit,

The smell of summer,

The scent of flowers

Carried in dried grasses
Woven by nimble fingers.