Bitter Blackberries

Bitter blackberries; is that my worst
complaint? While further east, the heat waves kill
and prairie drought is quenched by overspill
when hurricane-filled levees finally burst.
I have no cause to call this weather cursed.
Each time I turn a tap to drink my fill,
it’s rain that flows obedient to my will.
I’d rather suffer gloomy skies than thirst—
though risk of flood and landslide hover near
we won’t see skies turn black with blowing dust
or scarlet flame devour familiar trees.
Each climate has its drawbacks and its fears
so no complaining. I will place my trust
in God and eat my bitter blackberries.