Fall Reminds Me of the Apple Tree of My Youth - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli
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Fall Reminds Me of the Apple Tree of My Youth - Dr. Ed Iannuccilli
Apple picking season sends me back to the cherished apple tree in the rear yard of our three-decker. The apple, along with the grape arbor, cherry and pear trees, was lovingly tended by my grandfather. The tree has played a significant role in history, but it had a greater presence in mine those years ago. It started in the spring displaying its bright necklaces of white flowers, continued in summer with its rich full foliage, and then in autumn when the apples popped to maturity.
The tree was nestled to the left of the yard next to Mr. Rossini’s fence. Its strong, low, curved branches allowed for easy climbing. The higher branches touched my third-floor bedroom window, tapping lightly during windy evenings to remind me it was nearby. On many warm summer days, I climbed the tree, sat on a large branch, and carved my initials into the soft bark while I ate its fresh, delicious fruit. The apple . . . moist and succulent . . . smelled like a field of flowers and tasted of tart honey. The apples were just plain good. Sometimes Grandma made apple pies. Sometimes she made apple sauce.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe domain of the apple was mine. I was invisible in the tree when I watched people enter the house through its rear door, or when Mom called me for lunch. Sometimes I eavesdropped on the adults sitting beneath the grape arbor below, murmuring stuff of little interest. They didn’t know I was there.
Once I memorized a poem about a tree that could have been an apple. Didn’t we all? “I think that I shall never see A poem as lovely as a tree . . .”
What I mean is that I could forget myself in that apple tree.
Nowadays, though I no longer climb trees, I still partake of their fruit. I go to harvest fairs, roam the orchards, drink cider, and eat more than one of the crave-worthy, maple-frosted apple cider donuts. Why I even pick apples . . . the low-lying ones of course. Nope. No more climbing.
Apples are a cherished part of our environment. They represent knowledge
(Newton and gravity), health (an apple a day for fiber, antioxidants, vitamins), and love (Adam and Eve).
As I reflect on my youth and the tree, I recognize that the apple was a strong symbol of comfort and belonging in good times. And of family and friends. I wish I had the apple’s branches tapping on my window today.
What I mean is that that tree was important. What I mean is that the tree was perfect. What I mean is that a tree can represent the essence of childhood.