A neglected orchard is a sad thing to behold

Most of the trees are dead and scraggly, yet

A few apples hang out of the reach of deer

Red, yellow, none are green, most are scabby

This must have been a wonderful orchard

Before it was abandoned some eighty years ago

Most of the trees died from drought and cold

(Forty eight below in sixty eight)

Eighty years without pruning, irrigation, picking, or pesticides

These are tough apple trees, survivors

A few apples hang out of the reach of deer

A neglected orchard is an inspiration to behold