Ode to Alley Fruit

by Angela Petty

Ode to alley fruit
park plums forgotten mulberry
FIGS!

I hear your call, echoing from season’s past
​a promise of sunlight 
in my mouth 
sunset stained hands
held, in sustenance

Tart Spring cherries
summer berries frozen in time
dried apples on the shelf
grape snacks persimmons fall

The box of kiwis,
still seated at my winter table

You care for me 
so tenderly
how can I care for you?