We, born strong, a known miracle, believed in our birthright

Demanded what we’d earned

Respect of our hearts

When wolves came around

We’d thought them our friend — having been made from the same dust and all

When their howling happened, tables turned, teeth exposed

We’d respond not in-kind, but with kindness

Hoping hindsight would cause us to laugh

How many more times is unclear

How long before hope would recede, who can know?

And so, we ate the Apple

Believed the serpent, absorbed the poison

Until at some future point, we’d bleed out and walk whole

In the afterlife

We ask, all the more demanding and kind

Please beware our now sharp teeth