The speaker is an elderly woman, who may be Margaret Atwood; regardless, they do have a defined gender, approximate age range, and relationship. She’s harvesting blackberries for a younger loved one, most likely a daughter or a granddaughter. The speaker is protective, yet realistic; they take an honest view of mortality and aging and try to pass these lessons onto their child. The speaker is also aware of the wider world through an environmental lens and is able to use their accumulated wisdom as a way of living in peace with the world around them.