Writing

Uncolorthetruth

Bitter Harvest

I used to think it was only a myth until my
grandparents told me they had seen truth of its
existence. I have never seen it in person, but I hate it.
My family is allergic to it so my grandparents moved to
California to escape it. That’s why I was so surprised to
learn that seeds of Strange fruit had once again been
planted in the gallant south. It has not yet bloomed so
there is still time to stop it, but apparently in Jena,
Louisiana they didn't take the recent sightings
seriously. I don’t see why anybody would plant it. It’s
fruit is twisted and ugly, it’s is juice bitter and warm. I
read in a book that many died to make sure it never
again grew on the poplar trees, one was even a King.
The book said they sacrificed themselves for the future
so their children could play with other children
without worrying about those bitter crops. I guess they
were allergic too. Maybe if I act like I don’t notice it’ll
just wither and die, but what if my children wish to go
to the south? I guess something will have to be done
because I never want my children to have to see trees
that bear Strange fruit.

1930

1980