Tangerines overburdened the old trees

Tangerines

On the cusp of falling
Tangerines overburdened the old trees
It's ominously quiet in the deserted village
No one left to pick this year's crop

Politics again destroyed the peaceful coexistence
People run away, afraid to become sitting ducks
Unlocked doors, neglected gardens, and the mountains
Standing like sentinels watching, not taking sides

Abandoned, the land struggles for survival
The wild shrubbery of boysenberries blocking roads
Weeds mobbing the soil...without permission, growing everywhere
And parts of blown off human flesh attracting animals and birds

Last signs of normalcy ...the tangerines
Affixed still to branches, will die eventually, falling
Destined not to be kissed by human lips,
Tasting juicy goodness flowing down the throat
Instead turning into rotting, shriveling reminders...a food for worms
Same as soldiers, fighting on both sides

by Margaret Gudkov