the magic apple

you find an apple
orchard
and hop the fence.
you have a basket
that you fill
with apples.
discarding the ones
soft with worms.
you take the basket
into the city
and stand
on a busy corner.
you offer the apples
for a quarter, or
best offer, but no one
buys them.
apples are good for
you, you say to them,
holding out the basket.
but still no takers.
so you shine them up,
polishing each
until they glow
and return to the corner.
you yell out that these
apples will  make
you younger, improve
your sex life.
you'll live longer
and happier lives.
they will enhance
your brain, make you
smarter. unblur your
vision. clear up
your complexion.
people will adore you.
here, buy a magic
apple and all of your
wildest dreams
will come true.
the basket is empty
before noon.