First, I get the pail, the one that I know how far up on the sides I have to pick to get enough blackberries for a pie. Even though it is hot, I put on long pants, hoping to discourage the chiggers from hopping onto my legs. I hate hats, but Mother always makes me wear one when I am in the sun. Sure as I leave mine behind, she will see me, and call me back. I don’t want to waste any time. It is getting hotter by the minute.

I don’t remember it being this far to the blackberry patch. It will seem even farther on the way home, with blackberries in the pail. I can taste them now! I have a special routine, five for the pail, and one for me. I learned a long time ago what happens when I reversed that count! I begin to pick, and the blackberry line creeps up in the pail. Another thing I learned, a long time ago, is to squat, instead of bend. One time I could not even stand up from my bent position!

I think about singing, to pass the time. Oh! No! I see a snake sliding toward me! Black, but I don’t care what color. I grab my pail, and start to run, faster than I have ever flown before. The pail is clasped to my chest, and the blackberries are jumping around. I don’t take time to look back. At least the snake is not passing me. I make it to the road in front of my house, put down the pail, and gasp for breath. The snake is not behind me. I wait until I can breathe, and then I tell Mother the story. She laughs. I don’t.

After supper, I sit on the porch steps, facing the sunset, with my warm pie in a bowl. The pie is covered with cold milk. If the pie is cold, I must have warm milk. It is part of the ritual. The sunset is also part of the ritual. It is more beautiful when I am eating blackberry pie. I wonder, is the pie worth the snake chasing me?

Notes from Marta:

Most of us had scary experiences when we were children. Remember one, and perhaps share it with a friend.

Think of a favorite childhood food. Imagine eating it, experience the texture and the flavor. Plan to provide it for yourself soon, in this period of life.

What were some of your childhood routines, imposed by yourself, or others? Remember, and take only the positive ones with you.