An apple lands hard
ahead of me on
my flagstoned walk.

I’m next to a high wall.
No tree peeking over;
it must have been thrown.

Was it an offering or
is this aggression? 

I walk to a gate
and shout that question
hoping for any response.
None follows.

How long
do I wait before
I ask again?

Am I well-served
by not simply choosing
to believe it was a gift
and shouting “thank you”
before continuing?

No second apple comes over
and unsatisfied though I am
as to intention,
I do shout my gratitude
to what is hidden
and walk on.