the Pacific Northwest (Washington & Oregon) annually produce 77% of the fresh U.S. apple crop
Original DDE™ art: “Cider Season” by: rob kistner © 10/21/25
—-<§>—-
driving east from the coast
Columbia Gorge opens like a hymn —
mist lifting off the pines
the river winding on
gantle as memory
we laugh
as we travel deeper into this realm
scarecrows
guarding their kingdoms of crimson and gold
each orchard
a nurtured secret
kept by rain
fragrance of cider
applewood smoke
and something older —
a sweetness that waits all year
for this soft collapse of summer
from the April explosion of blossoms
that herald a crisp delicious awakening
we amble ‘tween rows of trees
breathing in the intoxicating promise
hands brushing bark
cool as stone
apples
round as bursting joyous hearts
and I think —
this is how the world knows us
will remember us
not in words
but in the taste of what we bring forth
to share
later —
as light fades violet over Hood River
Cascade’s climbs painted in moonlight
music carries from the Harvest Fest
fiddles
banjoes
scrub tub base
pulsing with a rhythm of love
wafting throughout the valley
scent of carameled apples
a slow dance between rainclouds.
and I know —
autumn is not a season at all
but October’s promise
whispered in the space that surrounds us
during this cider season
rob kistner © 10/20/25
Poetry at: dVerse
Not a huge cider fan these days but there was a time……
All sorts of fruity cider flavours seem to be popular now and they are very drinkable. A little too easy though.
Your poem also reminds me apple time in the Blue Mountains outside Sydney. Your write has triggered some old memories. ?
There are many ways to enjoy the taste of this season.
O
I am a fan of cider season, Rob, and have been reading a book, Daniel Mason’s North Woods, which chronicles four centuries of human and natural history centred on a yellow house and its surrounding woods in Massachusetts, New England, especially apples from the orchard. So, your poem has come at the best time, and I envisaged it all while reading it. I love the simile ‘Columbia Gorge opens like a hymn’ and the metaphor ‘each orchard a nurtured secret kept by rain’.
Thrilled you are here Kim! Still, working on my social skills suince leaving rEleased hospita I’m
A beautiful poem, Rob! So evocative! Some of the farms (and wineries) in my area still have apple orchards and make cider.
Thank you Merril! 🙂 I love this time of year here, for so many wonderful things! 🙂
Rob, your painting is beautiful!!!!!! Nice to read you again, it has been a while. Your poem is wonderful, rich with autumn’s delights, not least of which are apples.
Thank you so much Sherry for your gracious and kind words. I am so pleased to be able to create work again. There were several times this year that seemed in doubt — but my imagination and cognitive stamina has begun slowly to recover from the frightening impact of the SEPSIS… and the resulting prolonged hospitalization earlier in the year. Physical stamina is lagging, but I am alive. 🙂
I do my own apple hard cider…. and it is so refreshing to drink… I wish though I could get some great apple must from an orchard to use.
Apple harvest is truly a festival time here, because between Oregon and Washington, we supply 77% of America’s fresh apples annually — in a plethora of scrumptious varieties. Come visit some October. The orchads are plentiful and partying now! ????? applemania ?? grapes too… many ? many vineyards!! The bouguet of aroma in the air is incredible!!
Cider is a big deal in Bend, Rob .. having said that I must say I could have pulled your poem from my monitor, wrapped it round my shoulders, inhaled it, breathed it, consumed it. I know, this is way too [overboard?] but I believe it’s one of your all time best. P.S. Harvest Moon is and always has been my favorite Neil Young song.
I don’t know what to say Helen… I am so grateful for your kind words my friend! I do know five words I can say, birthed in my heart — thank you so very much… 🙂 I was not certain I could ever write again, things were so unmoored in my thoughts, and my poetry suffered critically. But I am making my way back.
Love the gorge opening “like a hymn”; “scarecrows
guarding their kingdoms of crimson and gold”; “soft collapse of summer
from the April explosion of blossoms”; and “apples
round as bursting joyous hearts”
Thank you Melissa, I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
a wonderful poem, Rob. What a great choice for your micro-season. Your words just take me there. The taste of cider on the tip of my tongue!
Thank you so much Dwight. I love apple cider with just a bit of grapefruit juice. Try it —I think you will like it… 😉
Gorgeous writing, Rob the warmth is felt and I do enjoy walking through apple orchards in the fall. Tasting all the delicious offerings. My new favorite is a snap dragon. They pack a great crunch. haha
Thank you True. Yes, a crisp tart sweet empire state treat! 🙂
Sonething i know nothing about and you have presented it to me in such a delucate and interesting way
“each orchard
a nurtured secret
kept by rain”
Nice one Rob!!!
Much?love
Oh Gillena, thank you. It is seldom I have the opportunity to share something so dear to me, with an interested soul. I am honored my friend… 🙂
This is incredibly evocative, my friend. I love; “later —as light fades violet over Hood River Cascade’s climbs painted in moonlight.” ??
Thank you Sanaa, I greatly appreciate your kind words. 🙂
Gorgeous, Rob! Thanks for taking us through this lovely micro season.
YoU are moSt welcome Punam… 🙂