the Knowlege of

the fruit

was sweet,

juicy,

delicious,

nutritious,

healthy.

~

why was it forbidden?

~

because they forbade it,

requiring nothing more than

random choice,

the fruit

no worse,

no better

than any other

in the garden.

~

& what was this Knowledge

of good & evil,

right & wrong

this tantalizing thing

was supposed to possess?

~

the Knowing betrayal,

no more,

nothing less.

~

a betrayal of trust

faith entrusted…,

…‘twas its quest to accuse,

we couldn’t be trusted,

it plotted, amused.

~

we stumbled upon it,

adoring the fruit

of our labors,

our labors,

would they notice

one picked?

~

we could claim ‘twas another

who laid the branch bare

they’d not know the difference,

how could they,

why care?

~

It held the thing to us,

it shrugged,

just a choice,

take it or leave it,

i don’t hear their voice

it’s a fruit same as those

in the distance allowed

i won’t even watch

i will turn,

make me proud.

~

The choice lay before us,

keep faith & obey,

or cast it behind us

their trust to betray.

the moon shone upon us,

our skin ever bare,

but we were not naked,

no, not yet,

none would care.

~

Until once we held it,

we longed for a taste,

this bittersweet treasure

we each bit….

~

…& we Knew!

~

we Knew what it meant

to break another’s trust.

we Knew what it meant

to be ashamed.

we Knew what it meant

to be naked,

the fear of being found out,

exposed.

we Knew what it meant

to break faith,

to cut ties,

betray friends.

~

our innocence was lost.

~

& we would do it again

in spite of all the pain,

sorrow,

suffering,

& grief

for what does it mean to be faithful

if one does not have a choice?

what does it mean to love

if one does not have a choice?

what does it mean to be obedient

or good

or do what is right

if one does not have a choice?

& how could we ever become

should we never Know any of this

because we never had the choice?

~

they asked us quite sternly

who told us we were naked?

they spoke harsh words,

then clothed us

& cast us forth

from this place

where Knowing was not allowed.

~

& as we walked through grass

over stones,

catching burrs

stubbing toes

tears were shed,

not by us…,

…but by them,

tears of grief,

tears of love,

grace,

& joy,

Tinged…

…with just a touch of pride

for how far we had come,

how much we had grown,

for now faith, hope & love

could be Known.