Listening to the wise ear of old Duchess Apple Tree; For nature's stories we hear Form growth on earth to see Fruits of labor that bear. Poetry by me,composed 11/16/2021 This ancient tree does have a story to tell of its beginnings. The former owner of our place told us that he planted it when he was six years old in 1906 . I am standing next to it in this self portrait. However, I wish I could have shot a picture of the man instead who planted it as a child. He passed away a number of years ago. The tree lives on to bear the fruits of his labor. I especially love the formation shaped like an ear and I like to imagine that it can hear the sounds of nature.