Jerry Bock
The Apple Tree
About the rich ripe round red rosy apples they call forbidden fruit
What I’m about to say is confidential
So promise you’ll be mute
Because if every creature in the garden knows
They’ll come around like hungry buffaloes
And in no time
There’ll be none of those precious apples left for you and me

Now in the average apple you’re accustomed to skin, seeds, flesh and core
And you’ll find that these arе special apples that give you somеthing more
Why every seed contains some information you’ll need to speed your education
The seeds indeed of all creation are here
Why be foolish my dear

Come with me
To that tree

With every sweet and juicy luscious bite of this not-forbidden fruit
You’ll see your mind expand and your perceptions grow and more and more acute
And you can teach him plumbing and philosophy
New techniques for glazing pottery
Woodcraft First-aid Home economy

Madam, Adam will be overjoyed
When he becomes aware of your attainments he’ll beam with loving pride
And he will say, "Oh Eve, you’re indispensable, please don’t leave my side"
And with your nifty new-found education
He’ll relish every conversation
While you’ll be Adam’s inspiration this way
Just an apple a day
Wait and see
Come with me
To that tree