37

Downhill from Eden

Hither we climbed, afraid,

and still the body trembles at touch

though mind deny its dread.

No matter, much.

All words we create

are glass-fragile shields against the night

we dare not derogate

in brief sunlight.

Heart pauses, tense,

called from afar; twice that stillest call;

leap now in fright the fall

from innocence.

Then as the sun drops chill

our shadows step twice us in length

drawing away our strength

behind, downhill

from Eden. May you yet know

your own heart’s blood shaking the sky,

mind’s gropen mystery,

whither you go.