Alone

Our little satsuma tree looks like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree – spindly, lopsided, and scrawny.  This year, we thought it did not bear any fruit at all.  Then, we noticed this one glowing orange, weighing down its tiny branch so that it hung suspended, ever so much like a red Christmas ball on a stark bare branch I once saw spotlighted in a family’s front window.  Before our frost this past week, I brought it inside.  As Joe and I shared the sharp pop of fragrance when I peeled back the skin, and tasted the burst of tangy, tart and sweet juice, I was thankful for things that grow alone, unnoticed, and unappreciated.  I want to be more attentive.  I would hate to have missed this treat.