This is my dad, Jeffrey Patterson,
worrying about the harvest.
Actually, I like it when he worries
because he always smiles.

harvest is the most important
time of year for us.

everything we do points to
harvest. i know it’s serious

because dad becomes very
quiet and he gets that

look in his face – as if his
heart were pounding in

rhythm to a music no one
else can hear – like

the humming of the berries,
the ripening of the vines.