Pippins

by David van Belle

Mid-afternoon, before dinner
the big harvest family descends on the library
a migrant pack of parents and kids
on a weekly ritual
a grand outing of eating

Each one spreads out, looking, 
the stacks like rows of trees
they glean the entire branch
not a twig missed
gathering a spilling-full bushel of rad red pippins
so much ripe plenty to be devoured at home
the seeds destined to be planted, 
they’ll feed the future after all,
for later that evening
heavy volumes of light reading will drop like windfall
onto snoring chests in the La-Z-Boy 
and teeth will snap through tight peels in quiet, sneaky bites
taken by flashlight, under the covers after lights out

There’s a mighty kerfuffle at the self check-in
as they gather, comparing bounties
“did you know that an insect collector is called a pooter?”
“you’re so gross.”
“that’s what it says in this book!”
and they’re off, brisk as they came,
out into the mall 
bound for other orchards
apple cheeked and happy.

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David van Belle is an Edmonton-based writer whose plays include The Highest Step in the World, Liberation Days, GIANT, and The Last Voyage of Donald Crowhurst. His latest play, Love is Magic, won the 2022 Gwen Pharis Ringwood Award from the Writers’ Guild of Alberta. David has been a Writer-in-Residence for the Edmonton Public Library, Playwright-in-Residence for Alberta Theatre Projects, and was Co-Artistic Director of Ghost River Theatre. His adaptation of A Christmas Carol is currently running annually at the Citadel Theatre. David is fascinated with people’s lives and how they are lived. Most days you can find him behind the desk at the Abbottsfield Public Library.