Thank you Peter. You’ve summed up an unexpected thing about my writing. I use an absurd premise to make some sort of point. But every once in a while, someone actually does it.

Different subject. Your written voice is so familiar. As if you live here on the Leelanau peninsula. We’re part of a four-county cherry and apple growing region in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Our farmers sound much like you in “The Peach Tree.” They speak of the frost-thaw sequence in Spring which carefully awakens the cherry and apple trees, then brings forth the blossoms - hopefully after the last frost. The need for rain to fatten the cherries, but not so much that it splits the skins. The tart harvest in June. Hopefully with time after it’s done to take a breath before the sweets begin to be harvested in July. Which needs finishing before the apple-picking begins in August.

You get the idea. It’s enchanting to hear our people speak of fruit. Just as it is to read what you write, be it about peaches, tomatoes, figs, or marigolds.