Appled Things

By Michael Stalcup

Glory be to God for appled things—

   for gardens dappled rich with reds and greens;

      for brimming baskets; memories of Fall;

for still life paintings; banquets set for kings;

   kids’ lunches; teachers’ desktops; sundry screens;

      and gravity, taught by a sphere so small.

For strudels, crumbles, cakes, and all things sweet,

   the air alive with aromatic heat;

      for family’s faces—gathered, pied, and peaced;

small sips of cider from the coming feast:

                                Praise him.