Eve

I sliced the red skin crosswise cutting

my palm and leaking juice through my

fingers and the sensation was

new and I was alive for the first time.  I saw

the seeded star buried inside

its five points pulsing

the five great mysteries of life and

I was aware for the first time.  I smelled

the sweetness of my blood mingled

with the pale juice

and licked my palm and was ecstatic for

the first time.  The dull days of Eden are replaced

and I can hear music in my head.  No longer

outward, but now inward dwelling.  I can

understand how the leaves cling to the tree

for the first fall.  I can imagine the fruit to come

after the blossom in the spring.  I can lean 
against the bark and climb and know it can hold me 

and I can remember how it was before pain and I

will dream of other gardens and other trees and 
other apples for almost forever.