Bad Apples

by Gina Cohen

A few bad apples she said. You know those bad apples that spoil everything. They spoil the bag, the pie, the applesauce. 

If they are people, they too spoil everything. The friendships, the quiet of a warm evening breeze, the good neighbors, the neighborhood. 

Thankfully most apples, like people, are good. But it's scary how bad apples hide in plain sight among all the good ones. 

 

Our eyes, ears and nose must always be awake and aware of the bad ones so that  that the good ones are protected, safe; good to eat or be around.  Crisp and sweet. Like the night air. Warm and breezy with sweet smells of night blooming jasmine. Or cool and full of stars. Like the most beautiful winter night. Like the crispest apple in the bag. Cozy and comfortable  no matter the season.  

 

Staying safe from bad apples that can change anything in a heartbeat is like being a cop on the beat. Always watchful. Baton swinging in the night like a pastry chef wielding a rolling pin. Looking to pull those bad apples before they spoil everything.