Notes About The Poem

Written 17th September, 2026

Week's Poetry Challenge: Autumn Memory

Keeping the Stem

Autumn meant cooler days—  
picking apples from the trees  
or helping pack them  
in boxes.

Mostly Granny Smiths:  
firm, green apples  
made for hot apple pie.

Red Delicious came  
with their built-in stand;  
Jonathans carried a blush  
and a crisp, sweet bite.

I remember seasonal pickers  
high on three-legged ladders,  
canvas bags strapped  
across their shoulders,  
paid by the weight  
they carried down.

Each apple was turned  
and lifted from its branch—  
stem intact,  
next year’s bud  
left safely on the tree.

Above us, Mount Canobolas—  
an extinct volcano—  
gave the orchard  
its rich, dark soil,  
roots drawing sweetness  
into every apple.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

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