Fevered Mind

A poem by Sydney Stone. I do not own the image.

***

A droplet of dew, poised upon the vine,

Reflects the worlds in kaleidoscopic lines,

Into view sidles serpent devil,

Its body curled, its gaze is level,

Upon the maiden, nude and pure,

Known as Eve, whom God adored,

Softly whispers, lurking demon,

With voice of honey, and eyes of lemon,

Coaxing most innocent hands to pluck,

Luscious apple, humanities’ cuck,

As first bite is taken,

To propriety is she awakened,

Realizing first her bared breast,

Failing for us all our very first test,

Soon after cast out, left to wander,

Harsh-punished failure forever pondered,

Demon, in turn, loses grip,

Doomed forever to forward slip,

Upon its belly, ever more,

Begging nourishment from rodent’s door,

Who won? Who lost? Or are we even?

When all are barred eternal from the Gates of Eden.