Summer's Apple

the apple tree in my grandmother's yard low branches secret shade our place to steal time from the world safe from others with their gin and regrets I remember you so young with pink ribbons clambering up on rough branches cursing your shoes and clean dress shining smiles down on me invitation so sweet daring so bold me shy and earthbound I make low limbs my perch you laugh and swing over robins startled and scolding grabbing apples so fat our warm summer rubies carelessly tossed down my way so eyes closed I bite in loving that crunch a little taste of forever but glancing up into yesterday with a last slice of memory your dress now only sunlight bright patches dappled on branches and looking down I'm surrounded by fallen apples