A poem by Paul Muldoon
Bramleys, not Grenadiers
The apple trees are put up against a wall and shot at dawn. The bodies lie where they fall. These are Armagh Bramleys, not Grenadiers, given their russet tinge. Thatβs blood coming out of an ear. At the heart of the espalier is the stake to which the branches are bound with pantyhose to allow for a little give and take. The apple trees are put up against a wall almost as often as, in Gaelic football, Maghery is bested by the boys of Mullaghbawn. These are Armagh Bramleys, not Grenadiers for whom the thought of pruning shears will cause a twinge. At the heart of the espalier is the stake about which Grenadiers are known to bellyache. Thatβs blood coming out of a nose. The apple trees put up against a wall and shot at dawn are Armagh Bramleys, not Grenadiers, given their russet tinge. At the heart of the espalier is the stake to which the branches are bound with pantyhose?
Paul Muldoon
Paul Muldoon reads his poem.
Note: Armagh is now home to 4,000 acres of orchard.Β In 2012, the Armagh Bramley was awarded Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).
