On the Virtues of Blueberries

My friend told me that after a forest fire,
Blueberries are the first growth you’ll see return.

What a model of resilience and perseverance!

What..? Oh, no, not…
Well, yes, he is too. Quite. But,
I beg your pardon,
That’s not what I meant.
I mean, sure, that must be the case
For anyone who would put up with the likes of…

Oh, let’s not get sidetracked here!
I’m here to extol the virtues of the blueberries!
Pay attention!

Oh, honourable blueberries,
How honest you are!
You don’t falsely wear that “berry” mantle
Like the deceitful straw-“berries”,
Rasp-“berries”, or black-“berries”.
Nor do you hide from your true nature
Like those ashamed of the label,
Such as watermelons and bananas.
You are true to your claims,
Both berries and blue!

Oh, noble blueberries,
How heroic you are!
You sacrifice yourself
On the altar of my tongue
Painting these warm walls
Splashing them with your cool blue
Bursting with rich juice
Teasing my hungry mouth
With your rich sugar
And daring tartness

Oh, talented blueberries,
How versatile you are!
Scattered through soft muffins
Stuffed under the crust tart pies
Topping a rich cheesecake
For the perfect flavour contrast
Or raw, straight from a bowl
Where I plunge blue-stained fingertips
Over and over
Eager for more 

How could any find fault
In such a perfect evolution?

Wouldn’t it be grand
If we could all be revitalized
So sweet, and tart,
And stubborn,
From the ashes of our fires?