I stemmed and washed them for you

and tossed aside three that were bruised

 

You say this one is on the soft side,

the second has a blemish

and now the last tastes a tad sour

 

If you find another that’s not so sweet

or another that doesn’t taste quite right,

please take your bowl to the front porch swing

and toss the rest one by one

to those ungrateful grackles

you always complain about

 

I will enjoy mine here in the cool

and the quiet

 

You will be most welcome then

to come back inside

and brew the tea