Elegy for Eden

In our innocence, we climbed apple trees,
perfect perches, to see and be unseen.

Father lay dying. Men walked the orchard,
tasted of Eve's fruit, knew the land was good.

Condos, casinos, sparkled in their eyes.
Thirteen silver coins, forbidden deed done.

Serpent slithered and smiled. Adam took bites
of the screaming bark. Trees of life...lifeless.

Old Mother Earth trembled, as her children
thudded upon her sweet mossy cushions.

Funeral pyres piled high, flames crackled, spewed
wind scattered martyrs, banished heaven bound.

Today machines come, bringing their robots.
Deep diggers wrinkle Paradise's face,

tear her green blankets, smother stumps beneath
the folds of her cloak...disobedient.

Now we know evil. Blood drips from rose prick.
Scarlet towers rise to grasp at God's thighs.

Joan Huffman©07/06/2005