> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.tom-shaw.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Fruits of Our Labour - URL: https://www.tom-shaw.uk/the-fruits-of-our-labour/ - Published: 2024-02-13T14:01:03.000Z - Updated: 2024-02-13T14:01:03.000Z - Description: A Poem by Tom Shaw - Author: Tom Shaw - Tags: Poems, #substack, #substack-type-newsletter, #substack-access-everyone, #Import 2026-10-24 12:50 *Music:* [*UNIVERSFIELD - Peaceful Place*](https://freemusicarchive.org/music/universfield/ambient-music/peaceful-place/?ref=tom-shaw.uk) --- > Text within this block will maintain its original spacing when publishedIn the park one autumn day, > when the beaten path could no longer contain me, > tackling the bracken upon the wooded bank, > I sought to learn what this world could be, > should we be at home with the Earth. > > At the top, a beauty stood still > that only engages those who look for it. > For there was an orchard, left to time > and flourishing fine with no human to babysit, > feeling at home with the Earth. > > With hearts of generosity and love, > a tree offered one of its fruits. > I accepted, and within one bite > I knew a world, not of concrete or suits, > but one where I am at home with the Earth. > > While I could have stayed forever, > surviving on the orchard’s labour, > the branches gestured to take a seed > that blossoms for a lonely neighbour, > so they can be at home with the Earth. > > As they knew best, I made my way > through the thorns to return to tarmac. > For while I find no comfort here, > I know it only takes one crack > to plant a tree that becomes a home. ###### The Fruits of Our Labour - by Tom Shaw --- [Subscribe now](#/portal/signup) --- “The Fruits of Our Labour” was originally published via [Over to the Youth](https://open.substack.com/pub/overtotheyouth) in 2023\. This version is taken from my book, [*Born Anew and Other Poems*](https://tom-shaw.uk/born-anew-and-other-poems/?ref=tom-shaw.uk), and also features in a [high-quality framed print of it over on my Shop](https://tom-shaw.uk/product/the-fruits-of-our-labour-high-quality-print-framed/?ref=tom-shaw.uk). I love nature walks, and I love exploring. Me unintentionally finding an not-well-kept orchard while on one of these walks is very much a true story. If anyone is walking up the Porter Brook in Sheffield and fancies tackling the bracken, that experience can be yours too! The idea to write a poem based on what it meant to me came as I was walking back. It came just at the time I was really understanding that part of my reason for being here is to help people connect with nature - and in doing so, their most authentic selves. Beyond that, I hope those people can inspire others too, planting seeds in their life that can blossom into fruitful apple trees. ![](https://cdn.mymidnight.blog/a14ac55a4f27472c5d894ec1c3c743d2/substack-post-media-s3-amazonaws-com/public/images/75343c04-f9ae-414c-82b7-52673903f9d3_2048x2048.png) Thank you for taking the time to read this piece. I hope it inspired something in you. If you are able to, please consider leaving a tip or sharing my works with others to help support my efforts. [Leave A Tip](https://tom-shaw.uk/product/one-time-donation-or-tip/?ref=tom-shaw.uk) With gratitude, Tom --- ![](https://cdn.mymidnight.blog/a14ac55a4f27472c5d894ec1c3c743d2/substack-post-media-s3-amazonaws-com/public/images/7b21e7fa-d4f4-4f08-8183-12b9de1a78ac_750x990.png) [Subscribe now](#/portal/signup) --- ## More Like This [Haikus of a ForagerWhen I’m in need of some downtime and reconnection with nature, one of my favourite activities is to go on foraging hikes. 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