Today it was the apple tree
that kept me busy
standing on a ladder
pruning back the water sprouts
that grew straight up
as if they wished
to reach the sky

Though April nights are cold
in the Cascades
the apple blossoms
fully opened
celebrate the spring
with their display
of clustered flowers
pink and white
and softly glowing
in the sunlight
sweetly fragrant
when I bring them
to my nose

This year we plan to spray
for coddling moths
hoping to gain a better harvest
it's still months away
but in my mind
I see the branches
bending from the weight
of perfect yellow fruit

Some scholars say the fruit
with which Eve tempted Adam
was a fig or possibly
a pomegranite
but I'll stick with apples
as the Song of Songs
urges so sweetly
"comfort me with apples
for I'm sick with love"