Mark Elber: The Splitting of the Adam


In the annals of dumb luck 
a sperm and egg collided,  
forty weeks down the road not taken Adam emerged

mist mingled with dew, clouds spilled their buckets 
hooves were heard and beaks broke into song
dawn’s rays nudged petals open

Adam found his legs, his match, his Eve, his urge
     who found the same
as they were busy being one flesh, one night, one tangle
     under the stars
between rushing rivers spraying the air

lungs learning to laugh, legs to leap
lips to bring forth miracles
could such perfection last?

the heart in its chambers, the brain baffled by the newness
     of it all –
in the name of instinct, for the sake of the many controlled
     by the few
for the wedding of cause and effect

for worlds anxious to be discovered
o how we were fruitful, seeding our way across the planet’s
     generous face

feeding from its grains, gourds, gardens, its myriad trees, its selflessness
how could we not see, how could we not bless

 

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