I’ve always enjoyed things that are free,
Maybe, you know what I mean;
A ‘bargain’…who can resist one,
Whether it be in a Mall…or some secluded ravine?

Quite frankly, I prefer ‘free’,
In the truest sense of the word;
If you’re anything like me,
“Free’…is the only thing that I've heard.

Then, I’m off…like a shot,
Out there…on my quest;
GATHERING EDIBLE WILDS…in their season,
When everything’s at it’s best!

You might say that I grew-up,
With a sack in my hand;
I was ‘out there’…early-on,
Searching wooded glens…throughout the land.

If this is all new to you,
You’d best begin rather slowly;
Begin with foraging dandelions,
Their greens are tasty and very healthy.

Cow-slips grow along small streams,
They have dark green leaves and yellow blossoms;
A hard to find…delicacy…for sure,
But, oh…so deliciously…welcome.

Down there…near the swamp,
Fiddle-head ferns are a treat;
Like…with most edible wilds,
They’re scrumptious and just great to eat!

Wild asparagus will come along next,
It’s the very best…in early Spring;
So delicious…even when eaten raw;
Sure…save yourself some cooking!

Wild strawberries…huckleberries…raspberries,
Blackberries…elderberries…even Saskatoons;
Such a rich array…of nature's display,
So delicious dried, canned…or right on your spoon!

In the Fall…the bounty continues,
Wild grapes and all sorts of nuts;
If you can climb up to where they are,
That’s all to be careful…about.

Again…all sorts of fruit,
Way high up there…in the trees;
There are still many that grow wild,
A treat for all who like ‘free’.

And, in some wooded glens,
Mushrooms…of course…in profusion;
Definitely not for the novice forager,
They could be lethal…so exercise caution.

I’d not take the risk…however,
Sometimes…it’s wisdom to buy;
Some things are just too dangerous,
And, those things…I’d rather not try!

Each locale…so very different,
Before long…you will find;
It takes awhile to know what’s ‘out there’,
Until you do learn…it might boggle your mind!

But, learn…you must…and soon,
Not everything is edible;
Get a good teacher…or a good book,
A naturalist-neighbor…would be ideal!

And, should you ask…just perhaps,
I might come along with you;
For there's nothing that I'd enjoy more,
Than, to come along…too!

GATHERING EDIBLE WILDS,
Certainly not for the faint-hearted;
But a delight to those who like to forage,
Give it a try…come on now…let's get started!

********

July 21, 2004

Aimee Love
(LHG)