The poem takes place in a natural environment in which the central character is picking blackberries. Although it’s not clear if this is true wilderness, a back garden, or some reclaimed space in between, it’s clear that this space is familiar to the speaker. Their grandmother spent time in it, and the speaker hopes their descendants will spend time in it as well. The speaker has a clear respect for this ecosystem, making sure to leave food behind for squirrels and bears. They also express gratitude for snow, suggesting an appreciation for the natural world in all its states. This relationship between the speaker and their world is a guiding thread throughout the poem.