There stands a growing apple tree
North east of our fenced yard
Tall it’s grown for many years
But bearing fruit seems hard
Took three years to bloom at all
And even then t’was sparse
Its apples soft and barely red
We felt this yield a farce
Only once in all its life
Has tree provided crop
That even came close to windfall
But strong wind made them drop!
This summer was so full of sun
That gardens gave such gifts
And yet our empty apple tree
Seems mocking in its thrift
But I have come to see its worth
It needn’t always bear
It gives wee birds a sheltered home
It helps to clean our air
Our empty apple tree still blooms
Its handsomeness intact
And I will not so harshly judge
It for the things it lacks...
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