We used to pick them fresh, Right off the branch, From the tree in the front yard And place them in a basket To take inside and taste and devour. You’d wash them for me, Me too tiny to reach the sink, Then take the knife And carve, swiftly, Slicing off a smiling slice For me to eat. Now your twirled fingers And paper skin can carve Only lopsided smiles, Gnarled and unfamiliar. Let me take the knife And dig into peaches For you to enjoy.