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The Apple Orchard

The orchard is turning itself around
till a line is crossed, and pickers come.
Some of them fall towards England
from the other side of the world, and some

set their body clocks to each ripening crop
and save like mad for winter sun
to idle on beaches where coconuts drop
and rest up their backs and swear never again

but this is the apple’s rush hour.
Its litter turns from green to brown
like shot on the battlefield of the year.
You can feel the planet powering down.

© Paul Farley 2008

Written in response to a visit to Great Sheephurst Farm, Kent at the invitation of Ken Jenner.

Great Sheephurst Farm produces apples and pears. Although this year’s poor weather meant that the harvest was not quite ready when Paul visited, he was able to meet some of the workers who look after the orchards and pick the apples.

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