Sitting By An Apple Tree Watch

Sitting By An Apple Tree Watching Apples Fall* by Jack A.S. Dunce Life has grounded all of me to fine sand Rammed in the blind side by a betrayal Thrown out the curb for the sake of the grand Brushed with death, it wasn't mere portrayal Finding solace in what solitude brought Ran away from my out of control world Locking up myself in the cell I wrought Deep down my mind into a ball I curled Solitude numbed my heart from all the pain Calming the engulfing waves of sadness Putting out the flames of anger like rain But reducing joy's sheen into dullness Living in this gray world makes me feel safe But it's a false comfort that's fast fleeting; Emptiness's gnawing pain has made me chafe A hand to hold, ear to hear -- my yearning In my still gray world, I sit still, waiting For a rainbow to burst in my gray sky On a bench by an apple tree, watching Those red apples in the real world fall dry (c) pgmr 01/07/2024 *Inspired by an excerpt from the book "The Painted Drum" by Louise Erdrich