“The Apple Tree” published at LatinosUSA

On By Mike U.In Poetry

Hello, everyone. My poem “The Apple Tree” has been published at LatinosUSA. Sincere gratitude goes to editor Nolcha Fox for sharing this poem with all of you. Thanks a bunch, Nolcha.

“The Apple Tree”
© 2013 by Michael L. Utley

The apple tree
Behind the house
Has long ago
Stopped bearing fruit

It stands alone
In sickness bold
Half its branches
Dead or dying

Leaves the hue
Of summers past
Defy the sun
The pouring rain

Bound there in
White-knuckled grip
On mournful twigs
On listless boughs

As autumn fades
The leaves succumb
Each one a
Small gold suicide

Each gilded drop
A dying spark
A universe now
Mute in death…

You can read the rest of my poem here:

“The Apple Tree” by Michael L. Utley

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31 thoughts on ““The Apple Tree” published at LatinosUSA”

    1. Thanks, Nigel. My mom in her later years was the inspiration for this piece. That apple tree existed just outside my bedroom window at the farm in my childhood. It really was hidden from the world and when it began to deteriorate, no one seemed to notice or care. There was certainly a parallel between that tree and my mom’s own physical ailments later in her life. And now, I’m beginning to feel like that apple tree is me at this stage in my life as well. Aging alone in isolation is not all it’s cracked up to be, my dude…

      Hope you’re doing okay. Thanks so much for your kindness, Nigel. 😊

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      1. You’re a tree with much life left in you, sir. That’s what I firmly believe.
        The poem was quite a heavy read but beautifully crafted.
        You have boundless talent, Mike.
        I hope you are finding your groove again with your writing. I am blessed with your creativity when I can read your work.

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    1. Many thanks, Ashley. My late mom was the inspiration for this one, as I mentioned to Nigel above. The memories of that apple tree have remained in my mind all these decades later. A simple tree, yet so symbolic, and resoundingly so for me in this instance. Have an enjoyable weekend, good sir. 😊

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    1. Thank you kindly, Carol. Yes, all trees serve a purpose, you could say. This piece is based on my late mother and her physical deterioration in her later years. I don’t know if the tree still stands–I haven’t visited the farm in more than a decade and likely never will–but I hope it does, and I hope at least it still has a few leaves left that defy the universe and appear each spring to show that life still has meaning.

      Have a safe and peaceful weekend, will ya? ☺️🍎🌳

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    1. Kindest thanks, Beth. Memories from long ago of that poor apple tree still persist. I’m not sure if the tree itself remains–it’s been so long since I last saw the farm– but I hope it still lives. I wrote this one about my late mom’s physical problems she experienced as she aged, and it holds so much sorrow for me. Aging can be so unkind to some of us.

      Wishing you a good weekend ahead, my friend. 😊

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  9. I am going over to read my friend but wow, what a gorgeous start. I will read the rest over on Latino’s. So much said in this piece and I can see and feel the leaves as they start to change their color and fall away. Blessings my friend. Sending my love as always. I am glad Nigel told me you had a post. It was kind of him. A beacon in the community along with Mich as always. Love you, Joni

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    1. Hiya, Joni. Thanks so much as always for your support. Your response over at LatinosUSA was so generous and I appreciate it. I’ve been cocooning a lot as of late, just trying to bury myself as it were, and not really succeeding. I shall get an email sent to you very soon. Hoping you and Scott are fine. Talk later, friend. ☺️

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      1. Mike it is always an honor to read your work. You are also not the only one who has been cocooning my friend. I absolutely loved this piece. I’m fixing to read it to Scott. sending love and hugs

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