Forgotten Fruit

by Suzanne Cottrell

A hardy tree stands taller
than the two-story house
on the old Garrett Farm

Common American Persimmon Tree
its thick squared bark resembles alligator hide
alternating, slick, leathery, oblong leaves

Pale melon-colored balls
the size of shooter marbles
replaced creamy flowers

Ripened fruit, a deep cinnabar
flesh as soft, juicy, and
sweet as an apricot

Laden tree with fruit
some split and mushy
litters the ground while

Most cling to branches
till winter arrives
once a treasured fruit, now forgotten