Will and Tom were walking one autumn afternoon,
Their backpacks swinging, their weekend coming soon.
Down the block, through the trees, something caught their eye—
A yard with apple trees stretching toward the sky.

“Whoa,” said Tom. “Look at those! Big and red.
I haven’t eaten since breakfast,” he said.
He slowed his pace, scanned the wooden gate.
“No one’s out back—it’s just sitting there. Wait.”

Will kept walking. “C’mon, let’s not.”
Tom grinned. “You scared of getting caught?”
Will shrugged. “It’s not ours. Let’s just keep going.
Ben Green lives nearby, and the sky’s still glowing.”

Tom hesitated, then fell back in line.
“Yeah, you’re right,” he said. “Maybe next time.”

A few blocks later, Ben opened the door.
“Come hang out!” he said. “Apples? I’ve got more.
We’ve got a garden—come check it out.
And my dad says you’re both welcome, no doubt.”

They followed him through the yard’s back gate,
Where sunlight shimmered and the apples looked great.
Tom blinked. It was the same house from before—
Same red trees, same path, same back door.

Ben grabbed a basket. “Help me pick a few.
We’ve got more than enough—we always do.”
He tossed one to Tom, who caught it mid-air,
Then glanced at Will with a half-awkward stare.

Will just smiled and took a bite.
The apple was crisp, the timing just right.
No words were said, but something was clear—
Some things are sweeter when earned, not sneered.

_{“Picked Right” by Nina D. Smith, published by Bright Bunny Books © 2025. Retelling of “The Boys and the Apple-Tree” from Little Ann and Other Poems by Jane and Ann Taylor.}

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“Orchard Decision” is intended for students in grades 3–5, using relatable dialogue and clear language to explore themes of honesty, friendship, and making thoughtful choices.