Garden of Eden
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Balm
Our Garden of Edenis realand waits for uswithin a circleof burning fields. Reaching Paradisedemands sacrifice–a long walk through searing heat,watching our skin char and peel,smelling our blackening flesh,knowing the burn of loss. And then…the cool shade of ancient elms,the sloshing… Continue reading
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The Tree of Madness
In a seldom visited corner of the Gardengrows the Tree of Madness,so well hiddenits fruit ripens unforbidden. But one warm afternoonas she pushes curiously through the jungletendrils trailing over her bare shouldersEve comes upon it– twisted branches, spiny fruit, roots coiling… Continue reading
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Returning to Eden
Adam stands before God,arms crossed over his chest."We want back in," he says. "Oh, really?" asks God."On what grounds?" "We were framed,bamboozled, duped.Barely able to tie our own shoes,and you set up a sting.We're nought but children–your children.Don't you think… Continue reading
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Problems in the Garden of Eden
"This isn't working out,"God says to the first man and first woman."I had this great plan,but you're not cooperating." "What's the problem?"the woman asks."Aren't we following the rules?" "Well, that's exactly it."God sighs and draws his hand across his face."I… Continue reading
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God Stopped By
God stopped bywhile Adam was naming the animals. A black dog stepped forward:"Julian," said Adam. A long-haired cat:"Carla." A brindled, full-uddered cow:"Samantha." God smiled and shook his head."No, Adam, that's not it.Give them generic names.Julian is a dog.Carla is a… Continue reading
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Playtime in the Garden of Eden
The sun has not yet broken the Eastern horizon,but Eve is up and eager to play.Standing at the entrance to the cave, she asks,"What today? Tag? Hide and Seek?Kick the Cantelope?Pin the Tale on the Pterodactyl?" Adam groans, "So early?"… Continue reading
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Eve
“This isn’t working,” Eve said to God. Continue reading
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The Tree of Undoing
Adam discovered another tree… Continue reading
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Another Tale from the Garden of Eden
"I'm running out of time," God says.He and the snake sitjust outside the garden gate."You assured meyou'd have them juicing that fruitby week's end." "Sorry, boss.Seems the simple life suits them."The snake's head bobs and sways as he talks."Sssatisfied.." What… Continue reading
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Dawn in the Garden of Eden
"My first morning," she says,mostly to herself,mostly to hear her voice again. The rain has stopped.She inhales:so many scents!She can't yet sort them out,but soon she will–animal musk,wet soil,apple blossoms,her own skin… She grins with pleasure,and doing so,startles herself–her first… Continue reading