ALARMING BEAUTY OF THE SKY, THE

The Peach Tree

29 The PeachTree It’s hot, and we have more than we can eat. But Mother, in her unlit room, her feet All dry and bed-chapped, doesn’t want a bit Of food. She only likes to have me sit Beside her and squeeze Jergens on her toes, Then rub until her eyes begin to close. The peach tree, open-armed and in its prime, Is much too full of ripened fruit to climb. We give each other boosts to squeeze the skins And bite into the soft ones, bathe our chins With bright, warm juice. (That strong and healthy tree Was like a universe of hope for me). At night we go inside.We can’t do more Than softly say goodnight and close her door, And watch “The Twilight Zone” in black and white. The heavens turn, I see the burning light, And hear the stars that drop and die up there Like peaches falling in hot summer air. ...