Apple Democracy

So many different kinds of apples:
Courtland, Granny Smith, Fugi, Gala,
Honey Crisp, Northern Spy, MacIntosh,
Mitsu, Paula Red, Golden Delicious;
there are 7,500 varieties,
their respective habitats
or range of condition
adding further complexity–
gorgeously succulent and crisp,
soft and bland, sweet and mellow,
zinging sharp and puckeringly tangy,
perfectly ripe, bitter and green,
or bruised, spoiling, and mealy…

Just like our melting pot country,
trying to make a slew of applesauce
that tastes good to everybody
incorporating every type of contribution
into something palatable to all.

by Polly Castor
11/8/2022