Fruit of Knowledge

This piece came from a space of reflection— on love, regret, and the moments that change us— whether we want them to or not. It’s not quite a poem, not quite a story. I’m not even quite sure what it means, but it poured out of me one day nonetheless. 

It started with the first line. Then I realized that it’s never actually specified what fruit Eve ate. While researching, I tried to figure out the name of the tree in the Garden of Eden. It’s called the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.

It made me wonder: is fruit consciousness? And does that mean consciousness is a sin? 

So I started typing, and this is what I ended up with…

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I never knew damnation would feel so holy

But one glance at you and I was condemned

Rotten like the fruit Eve ate from the tree

The serpent coiled around me while I was on my knees 

The freedom that comes from knowledge

Burnt like guilt beneath my skin

The way the rain poured when you were near

To wash away our sins

Sacrificed myself for this

Put my life on the line and bled out for you

Placed my heart in your hands like an offering

As it drifted across seas with you

But don’t forget my blood poured down the flood drains

And rises with the storm again

Maybe then you’ll finally write me something

As the rain taps softly against your windowpane