Split Second ~

One day while passing
an orchard hurriedly
I caught sight
of an apple tree running,
when suddenly it stopped,
its right foot stretched out
in front for the earth
the other high behind,
with one arm thrust forward
the other cocked chest high.

Speed caught in flight—
in dappled red and green
at the moment of victory,
dashing across the finish line,
and all the while

trees close by
stood there gaping, it seemed,

like awe-stricken spectators,

daring not to believe.