Strange Fruit… Poem by R.H. Peppers

Tommy had a curiosity
..of sorts he could not scratch
he craved to learn the secret of an elderly man
..of whom would sit on his porch.. puff on his pipe
and smile at each person that passed

many would stop and ask the old man questions
they’d chat.. laugh then go on their way

Tommy had witnessed this scene for many years
and yet never approached the old man

he heard from his neighbors
in no uncertain terms
the old man had an odd sense of humor
yet indeed be the kindest of stranger

..Tommy’s older brother
often told him stories
..of the old man being something other..

he is a crazy old fool..
with no family and uncouth
even went so far to have dared Tommy to question the man
..more than a time or two..

…’Tommy, walk up to the old man.. and ask him, ‘what is strange fruit? ’..

he dared not when he was younger
but felt this here birthday of his would be the perfect time
and so while the old man sat alone
..Tommy decided to walk through the crazy man’s yard..

the old man smiled and said, ‘TOMMY! ’
…’the young man that walks pass but never speaks..
for what is it that I have done
to deserve the presence of your company?

…please come have a seat and talk with me birthday boy…’

Tommy shocked and amazed, asked.. ‘how is it that you know it’s my birthday? ’

the old man said, ‘this is not such a large town..
and even smaller a neighborhood..
so what is it you know good young man of twelve years? ..’

Tommy pulled up a chair then asked,
…‘if you don’t mind me asking Sir.. What is strange fruit? ’

the old man laughed.. laughed.. and laughed...

…‘what is strange fruit?
well son.. I’m glad that you asked..
…I just hope you’re ready for the answer..
for what you’ll hear is sweet but to most may sound a bit sour..’

Tommy stood upright in his chair and said,
…‘I think I’m ready..
and I have wanted to know for some time now..
so please do explain..’

the old man eyed Tommy from his lid’s corner..
then put flame to his pipe.. puffed then blew smoke..

…‘son life is a basket of filled with mixed fruit..
where a grape may think it’s a peach..
and a peach a juicy red strawberry..

hahahahaha!

…but neither realizing
they have made themselves none but strange fruit..
..wasting a lifetime in search of other than what they are..
then calling it a pathway to the truth’

hahahahaha!

The old man sat back in his chair..
relaxed then exhaled a deep inner thought..

‘…oh how precious the taste of a ripe juicy fruit..’

the old man’s humor was contagious..
Tommy found himself laughing as well..
but had no understanding of the fruit basket’s fable..

…though the old man promised one day that he would..


TheJester