Aunty Anna s orchard

it was the largest house
next to it an orchard
full of apple and plum trees 
and one lonesome old pear tree
in the corner of the backyard

this was
where she spent several summers
most of her time

leaning against
the gnarled trunk 
she could dream
she could hide 
she could feel free
for a few minutes
or all day 

she could watch 
the growth of the leaves
creating a green roof
it was a shelter
if some rain fell

the glorious pear blossoms
and it’s private perfume 
filled her room
for a while

the blossom leaves disappear 
with the wind

more than a few
stayed behind 
for coloring a carpet
on the floor

sometimes
nothing happened
nothing changed
all though she was not being patient
about the growth of the pears
out of reach
high in her old tree

still standing on her toes
she needed to be tall 
she stretched every day
and grew too

at last 
picking that first pear
enjoying that view above
showing she would reap 
very soon
so much more
she just had to wait
for the pears to fall

© Ellie Daphne van Stralen 2011-2012