I have a spreading apple tree
It's June, and early in the year
How many apples do I see?
Too few, or many, that's my fear
Some years, like last year, were a dearth
Frost killed buds, so fruit? Not any
Some years, apples have worms, bird holes
Wasps, mush on the ground, too many
Now here's one thought which bothers me
With all those apples and those pips
Why don't I have orchards of trees?
Enough to fill ships sailing seas
I search my brain, I'm thinking back
We've acorns invading our lawn
Acorns, oak leaves, the pictures match
Maybe we've had apples out back
Apple pips might spread wide like seeds
And blow across the nearby street
And feed our entire land of birds
We dig up 'weeds', no fruit to eat
I think those acorns are the clue
I can't see what's in front of me
I'm sure the answer's clear to you
I can't spot a small apple tree
So now my task is pick a leaf
And check the shape of the outline
And look on top and underneath
My observation will be fine
I'l be first to identify
If you need help, you'll come to me
I'll nod, and smile and show you why
Free apple trees, drop from the sky
For every year more trees are born
Annoying those who mow the lawn
Who tear up weeds and planted seeds
As for research, must try harder
Some pips fall on the path, are worn
When one could plant pips in the beds
Some 'weeds' from flower beds are torn
When they should fill our mouths and heads
But I have learned amazing facts
From books, wine tastings, a new clue
You have to graft to get a twin
For fallen pips grow something new
Now I have thought of what goes wrong
When we've so many pips, all free
I should be planting pips in pots
And sell novelty apple trees.
-ends-
