Member-only story
Procrastination Makes Life Hard
But gathering in the harvest promptly brings ease
This time of year, I must watch out for brambles and thorn-laden stems on the dirt paths where Copernicus walks. They are cut down to ease our way through nature; otherwise, the wild plants, trees, and bushes take over the space, making it hard to get through. But they’re hazardous for dog paws.
Copernicus is wary. He looks at me, waiting for me to kick the debris out of the way before venturing forth, and I oblige.
At least he’s learned from experience. I, however, come across a repetitive lesson out in nature each summer. When the berries are ripe, I must gather them rather than wait until another, more convenient day. Sometimes, that day doesn’t arrive, and we miss out on the succulent, free fruit.
I spy little red flashes amid the greenery as Copernicus trots along the path. The raspberries are ready to pick. “We’ll get them later,” I say as Copernicus gives me a knowing sideways glance. “We’ll come back with tubs to put them in.” He knows we won’t do that today and might forget tomorrow and make ourselves the same promise again.
“Okay, okay. I know what you mean.” I sigh and get to work, putting the sweet berries into a little bag I found in my coat pocket.
