William Rickarby Miller was a watercolorist, a magazine illustrator, and also a painter of still life. He particularly loved to paint peaches. I enjoyed looking at this foray into apples.
For Just Right, I was particularly interested in the old rule of three, and also the old goldilocks principle. Other old things, when it comes to wonderful apples, are two of my old favourites recipes: apple crumble, and apple pantry cake.
More of my poetry here. This is free verse.
Just Right
In the goldilocks principle
Papa Apple, Mama Apple
and Baby Apple
are neither too far nor too close
to a star to sustain life;
communicate with
size, shape, sheen, flush
their green red yellow ripeness;
exist because the planet’s
temperature is just right.
Apples are restrained;
apples are contained.
Apples imply respect
for land management
and cultivation.
Apples elicit moderate
consumption, unless in pies
in which all bets are off.
Apples are ordained;
collectively, implicitly
radiating appleness.
©elsp 2026
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