THE EDEN TREE

An idyllic day in paradise breaks
when we lose sight of heaven;
it was a simple nibble, not even a bite,
tempting us with our nakedness.

Swift judgment falls upon our heads
as fierce winds sprung from God’s deep lungs,
now strip the Eden tree of leaves
forever – fallen on the ground.

Once lush and heavy with succulent fruit,
the Eden tree stands stark and bare;
a mottled, turbulent sky outlining
these now dark and craggy branches.

We sleep, then dream, then slowly wake,
and rub our weary eyes, and see, despite
the clinging pile of leaves, a ladder to God’s
heaven. Perhaps a chance to love and start anew.

poem prompted by and photo courtesy of

Christine Valters Paintner of http://abbeyofthearts.com/