Youth And Fruit Poem by Richard Blanch

Orchard tight with the engorged threat of Priapus
Where vines swell tempting hands in the
Evening light. Night comes. Medlars bulge unexpectedly
Appealing. Repellent.
Apples harden in the palm
Quinces firmer still tantalise the Circean snout
Air thick with augury distends the ear
Persuasive, alluring, as the bodies of
Clumsy cicadas hurtle from the trees,
Scrabbling, singing, discordant and enticing.

Garden open to the wiles and the puffed up will
Of Aphrodite and Bakkhos’ son.