The tree of life first showed up
in the Garden of Eden in chapter one
of our story. It was planted next to
the tree of knowledge which
we were forbidden to eat from, and you
probably know how that turned out.
We’ve been trying to get back to that tree ever since.
All our knowledge a stumbling block as we
try to hold fast to our memory of it.
We name our institutions after it.
We wear it around our neck and
decorate our hands with it.
We say it’s these words on a scroll
the ones that document our triumphs and failures
our hopes, our story, our blessing our curse.
Life was so much simpler when
we wore no clothes and all we had to do
was choose between two trees.
While we wait for the gates to open again.
While we wait for the chance to be
surrounded by trees and innocence
we remain fervent supporters
our arms around it like family –
The source of our forever joy.