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I Apologized To An Acorn

I kicked an acorn down the road as I often do,
to see how far it would roll, but unlike most,
which quickly veer left or over the center,
this one kept going and didn't stop -
until it rested far down the street,
seemingly waiting to be nudged once more.
So, I swept it out and down the hill thinking,
          "You go little guy"!
Just then, a truck rumbled up the hill
            and crushed it.
When I got to where it lay, I said, "Sorry buddy"!
Afterwards I thought that most have probably
had a private conversation with nature but,
how many have apologized to an acorn?

introspectionnaturefree verse

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Mark Massey

Date: 8/31/2025 4:50:00 PM

Like I was saying in an earlier critique, "a little nuts" is required to be a real poet (or at least it helps). Seems fitting for this piece - Looks like you're the front runner in Mark's contest so far. It would be nice to see you finish at the top this year. Keep it up, Craig. Watch out for Susan...she's relentless!

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 8/9/2025 1:31:00 PM

So cute. I remember our dog following an acorn and not giving up on it for a long time. Congrats

Susan Ashley

Date: 8/9/2025 10:49:00 AM

Dear Craig, it's easier to apologize to an acorn that to a human being. The acorn has no ulterior motives, it simply exists to feed another, like a squirrel, or it grows into another tree, again to be in service to others. It's part of a chain and it does its part willingly. It warms my heart that you apologized to the acorn. I would have apologized too. I loved this poem! Your pen's finesse brings me into the scene with ease. Congratulations for your success in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan

Craig Cornish
Date: 8/9/2025 12:15:00 PM

Thanks so much dear Susan! (BTW, this did happen LOL - often in the fall there's tons of acorns around here and I'll kick them as I walk down the hill near my house)...

Sam Kauffman

Date: 8/7/2025 11:22:00 AM

Craig, congratulations on your win in mile 3 of the marathon! The story of you and the acorn had me from the very first line as I experienced the wonder of your relationship that ended tragically. This poem made me think of all of nature's wonders that we talk to on a daily basis - pets, flowers, rain, etc.. So creative and so clever! Sending you warm summer blessings and maybe a new acorn friend in the fall!

Craig Cornish
Date: 8/7/2025 11:32:00 AM

You're a Gem Sam - thank you! BTW, this is a true story---lol - I have some of my most rewarding conversations with inanimate objects!

Mark Toney

Date: 8/6/2025 5:22:00 PM

Craig, congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 3 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. A clever and enjoyable read! Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 4 has already started.

Christine Watts

Date: 8/6/2025 4:21:00 PM

Hi Craig. What an insightful read, it did make me think and I am sure the acorn's time was up. Congrats with this one Cheers Christine

Paul Callus

Date: 10/4/2022 11:37:00 AM

Poor acorn! The author possesses a kind and sentimental heart. ~ Regards // paul

Paul Callus
Date: 10/5/2022 5:46:00 AM

I just realized that the sonnet anthology has been finalized (saw it on Andrea's FB). I am sure it will be a success. Regards & congratulations // paul

Craig Cornish
Date: 10/4/2022 1:07:00 PM

Sometimes buddy - I often have more patience and empathy for flora - they don't start wars? BTW your love and accomplishments in Haiku are admirable - and thanks so much for your contribution to "our" sonnet book - it was more special because it was shared with so many!

Michael Tor

Date: 10/3/2022 2:01:00 PM

Craig I can relate to the relationship you build with the acorn. You had a special fondness with it for he had achieved greatness in going such a distance. You admired that achievement and grew fond of it to again move and suddenly a truck took what pleasure you and that acorn shared. Your words made it real and personal. That is a great mastery of words that you have shared. Thanks for sharing and enjoyed reading. When I look at an acorn I will think of this Poem of yours..Your apology he accepted...

Craig Cornish
Date: 10/4/2022 1:20:00 PM

Great fun Michael--funny in a strange way (how poets think I guess)--who gets the credit for the distance gained - what in our lives (everything I guess {It's a Wonderful Life}?) is that second/moment/day shared? What, for instance, if that acorn had bounced onto the windshield of a car coming up the hill - even though none were coming when I kicked it? It's clear you have that same collections of answered/unanswered queries -- thank you -- we should never try to envision ourselves superior to an acorn - lest an old oak fall upon us and remind us why?