'tis Apple Pickin' Time Again

The autumn winds are rattlin' the leaves of corn stalks in the fields. The corn has been harvested and the farmers are calculatin' their yields. Golden, yellow and crimson leaves are strewn along the country lane. Autumn! What a glorious season! 'Tis apple pickin' time again! Mornin' frosts spread a coat of icin' atop every corpulent punkin'. Jolly kiddies gather at parties for an old-fashioned apple-dunkin'! Skeins of geese are wingin' south with their cousins the Whoopin' Crane. Autumn! What a resplendent season! 'Tis apple pickin' time again! The branches of apple trees bend low bearing luscious apples galore, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Rome Beauty and so many more, Waitin' to be plucked from California's shore to the rocky coast of Maine! Autumn! What magnificent splendor! 'Tis apple pickin' time again! Ah! To lounge by the fire and enjoy popcorn and cider when the snow flies, And at Thanksgiving to gather with family to savor Grandma's apple pies! Jars of apple sauce and apple butter line larder shelves, the winter to sustain! Autumn! The most delightful season of all! 'Tis apple pickin' time again! Alas, I won't be pickin' apples from my one and only apple tree this fall! Sneaky worms, hordes of squirrels and birds have eaten them one and all! The way those varmints robbed me of my apple crop is a downright crime! But despite it all, I still cherish autumn 'cause its apple pickin' time! Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired (c) All Rights Reserved (Not for the contest)