THE FRUIT YOU OFFER ME

[published on the Dead Beats Literary Blog, December 12, 2012]

THE FRUIT YOU OFFER ME


If we had all eternity,
and could spend all time in Eden;
if we could live our lives in bliss,
and innocent simplicity;
if that could be ours forever—
     I still would eat your ripened fruit;
     and know that it was good.

If we could walk in Eden’s groves,
in presence of almighty God,
who promised all we’d ever need,
kept safe from want through all our years;
if that could be ours forever—
     I still would taste your sweet delights,
     and would not feel ashamed.

If eating from the tree of life
meant that we’d be cast from Eden;
if sipping nectar from your rose
led to exile from God’s presence
and mortal life of pain and toil—
     I still would eat life’s fruit with you,
     and always feel fulfilled.