Succulence Poem by Chris Schleier, Jr.

The apple tree
is a fruitful system

amid the like, atop the fertile soil.

All units working as one

to produce

apples:

the center of it all, which shows the earth

what beauty flows
beneath the bark.

The red leather covers the sweet meat
and deep within

lies the process.

Soft, filling,

be fair, passing pluckers

for each apple is unique.

Eat with care, for some may

easily bruise.

Enjoy the sweet juice,

for it was meant for

your fulfillment.

But invoke no blotches,
as the juice will be

quite different.

Dripping, leaking

from the surface, through the channel

of the dented pores.