Espalier

There are ways to raise an apple tree.
You can cut it back,
you can let it be.
You can hold its arms
and make them wave
a barking bird, absurd
and prone to break.

It looks so simple
in the book.
You take a shovel,
toss some dirt.
Learn some seasons,
say some names
and engineer
if there's no rain.

There are ways to raise an apple tree
and I'll admit
I've let mine be.
Seasons come and seasons go
the birds and butterflies all go
in and out of its leaves.

There are times when I dream
of complete control
and apple cream
of apple arms
all stretched out wide
its fruit in ribbons neatly tied.

There are times when I think
inside my study shrouded low
panelled brown with burnished bark
hidden from the sun or snow.
It doesn't matter much to me
what's outside, sun or sea
and all the fruit I will not eat
grows in my head ever sweet.

There are ways to raise an apple tree.
You can grab its trunk,
You can tear its leaves.
You can spray and rake
and prod and mulch.
And hope your effort comes to good.

It sounds so simple,
plans be laid.
It's too bad
I'm so afraid.