The Ballad of Lilith

Adam clutches a child in the presence of Lilith. Fresco by Filippino Lippi, basilica of Santa Maria Novella, Florence

We were splinters, cracked from the flesh of dark Elysium
in a fell holy stroke. I am no rib-molded thing, second always.
I never hated Adam, but he was simple, pliable. His heavy eyelids spasmed
as our bodies heaved in and on each other, warm. God is not a man.

Have you been told not to eat of the fruit?

Leaves swollen with shade. Apricot skins melting my teeth, sweet and
stringy. God waiting in my throat.
Paradise: Trap.

Have you been told not to eat of the fruit?

When Adam asked me to carry his child, I said no.
Wings grew from the insect of my spine.

Have you been told not to eat of the fruit?

The garden sank and the sky reached down.
I swallowed cold air and flew.
The angels clawed at my legs, but they couldn’t drag me back
and I had never felt closer to my Maker.

Have you been told not to eat of the fruit?                              Oh, but I have already tasted it.