I’m back, but I won’t be sharing where I’ve been just yet. I promise I’ll share soon. Stay tuned!
Today, I’m honoring the life and work of Jupiter Hammon. Yesterday, October 17, 2025, was his birthday. While I knew that, it still slipped my mind until this morning, or did it? All last week, I nagged my husband about going to an apple orchard. We’ve had several rainy weekends, and the forecast this weekend looked rain-free.
Off to Hudden Gem Orchard, in Southbury, CT. The farmstand was not too busy, and we were able to check out several varieties of Apples. I made my selections, and we were off to the next stop. My husband had a sightseeing list planned for the day. Lots of leaf peeping and walking. It was a beautiful day.
It wasn’t until this morning, while I looked for my apple cider recipe, that I thought about Jupiter.
Was my constant urge last week to go to an apple orchard a sign from my friend? Had I subliminally felt the need to be in an orchard because of Jupiter? I can’t be sure, but he did send me back to my writing drafts, and I found this poem I wrote earlier this year for Jupiter.
Jupiter’s Apples
Some sweet, some tart
Blossoms reveal the autumn fruits
That sustain his life
Apples to sell
Apples to eat
Cider to drink
For his life of servitude
Not selfishly held, but shared while on earth
Enough for him, and no one else: Jupiter’s apples.
Apples: Esopus Spitzenburg, Newtown Pippin, Ribston Pippin, and Pink Pearl
