My love is heavy
as raspberries.
Silent as the fall
and red, turning
scarlet as an old heart
heavily thumping,
slow in beat, thinking.

My love is silent
as the waiting.
If only the sun and rain
could be enough.
I hang on to the bush,
ready to fall heavy
full and red.
Cupping his palm
he curves to me,
falling apart
at his touch.

Jennifer Fandel is a native of Eau Claire who currently lives in St  Louis. She has published more than 30 children’s and young adult nonfiction books, including writing guides, cultural histories, and graphic novels. ‘Raspberries’ originally appeared in Higher Learning: Reading and Writing about College and is reprinted by permission of the author. Learn more about Jennifer at jenniferfandel.com

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