Variation 3 (strawberries)

It took him 3 alpine strawberries
to write this

he selected varieties from a catalogue
with opinions on a boundary dispute
and the replacement of old cultivars

N.B. jams, sauces, liqueurs, cosmetics
and herbal teas are referenced halfway
through, with nostalgia

Fragaria vesca semperflorens can’t
translate woodland edges to sweetness
and multiple crowns in a cluster

Simply water down generously
with a fine spray and leave to soak
for thirty minutes

The leaves aren’t me, the fruit isn’t
me. Wherever the seedlings appear,
that isn’t me either

(JW)