We are pieces of crisp, green apple

resting on the table

Each of us fresh, tart, full of flavor,

mouthwatering simply by existing

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But as slices lay alone, the more stale

they become. Limp, thirsty,

browning edges, unappealing,

rotting in the end

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Being apart is fine for a time but

like parts of an apple, we belong

as a whole

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Individuals, yes

but with each other we last longer,

fresh, protected, grounded, resilient

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We are not meant to be isolated

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but together

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–community

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©Heather Pound 2022