We've had an outbreak of honey fungus in our garden - it produces a mass of beautiful brown and gold toadstools at the base of trees and shrubs, but the filaments that penetrate the trunks are deadly. There is no cure except removal as the affected tree will eventually die and the fungus will spread. Apples from two seasons ago sit waiting Dried in browning circles, stored in tall glass jars, Or in oblong boxes, their lushness frozen in time. I'm loathe to use up this store of sweet golden goodness Since the gnarled old tree began to lose its bark And a many-headed hydra, beautiful, but deadly, Bloomed at its base. Last year Its yellowed leaves and scant yield of apples Fell early to the ground, and none were gathered in. Now each time I reach for the golden fruit To bake a crumble, cake, or pie, I mourn the loss of its generous harvest. You only know the true worth of what you had When it's gone. © Copyright 2022. Chris Auger. All Rights Reserved .