I - Spring

Waves of apple blossoms
invade our senses.
We spread a plaid blanket
for our picnic. Soon
a noisy army intrudes.
Insects attracted to food,
buzz in our faces.
Fearing their sting
we gather our things
and quickly depart.

II - Autumn

Grownups chat.
Children frolic
among apple trees.
Sweet scent of fallen fruit
mingles with faint odor
of horse dung. 
E. coli hides here.
Eden is undone.

Deetje J. Wildes of Eau Claire enjoys writing poetry, making music, and experimenting with visual arts. She and her husband, Clarence, recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.