Apple For The Teacher Poem by Judy Hayes

Kindergartners are like a fresh apple, newly fallen from a tree;

The very first step toward independence;

From the loving nurturing of a family;

An apple left unattended will become rotten, like a child.

An apple peeled and uneaten will surely turn brown.

An apple only polished, left on the shelf to itself;

Like a child, begins to wither and often rebels.

Bruised apples like a bruised child can fester with disease;

A worm inside bitter and lonely;

Underneath its skin, all tucked away is a delight to many

Who care, to pick, peel or cut away,

Layers of skin

Revealing the gifts, and resources within

Cider, to quench our thirst; Apple pie, a pleasant dessert;

Applesauce enhancing the taste of a fine meal;

An apple, sliced or diced, eaten from nature just peeled.

However, awkward and unsure they appear;

each kindergartner bears within,

Many unique and different qualities neatly concealed;

Needing nurturing and love; marching through your door.

Apple... for the Teacher; Yet, “A diamond in the rough”

By Judy Hayes(1988)