APPLE PIE
There’s an apple in my head
Sitting just above my eyes
- I AM AN APPLE
It says.
I don’t like the apple
I don’t know what brought it here
I think,
…I have shopping to do
…I need to put the washing on
But every time I get up,
The apple sits down, heavily
Shouts
- I AM AN APPLE
Until I am tired, half deafened
And give up.
The worst thing is the shouting.
I sit down to write
- I AM AN APPLE
I step outside to –
- I AM AN APPLE
I –
- I AM AN APPLE
I know the secret, deep down.
To defeat the apple, I must eat the apple.
I have to sneak up, peeler in hand
And core the bastard when it’s not expecting it.
But it’s bigger than me. And heavier. Louder.
- I AM AN APPLE
It will take time and preparation to take it unawares
Slice it, smother it in cinnamon
And bake in the oven until crisp and delicious.
But it will be worth it.
If only it would stop shouting.
- I AM AN APPLE
So I can begin.
Sitting just above my eyes
- I AM AN APPLE
It says.
I don’t like the apple
I don’t know what brought it here
I think,
…I have shopping to do
…I need to put the washing on
But every time I get up,
The apple sits down, heavily
Shouts
- I AM AN APPLE
Until I am tired, half deafened
And give up.
The worst thing is the shouting.
I sit down to write
- I AM AN APPLE
I step outside to –
- I AM AN APPLE
I –
- I AM AN APPLE
I know the secret, deep down.
To defeat the apple, I must eat the apple.
I have to sneak up, peeler in hand
And core the bastard when it’s not expecting it.
But it’s bigger than me. And heavier. Louder.
- I AM AN APPLE
It will take time and preparation to take it unawares
Slice it, smother it in cinnamon
And bake in the oven until crisp and delicious.
But it will be worth it.
If only it would stop shouting.
- I AM AN APPLE
So I can begin.
2018 Crabbe Poetry Award, Commended.