This one was inspired by the NaPoWriMo prompt of the day, urging us all to example Jheronimus Bosch’s triptych, The Garden of Earthly Delights.
THE RABBIT LOOKS AWAY
After Jheronimus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights
Adam is short a rib, but now has a plus-one
for garden parties. He reclines, surprisingly relaxed
after the ultimate outpatient procedure,
on the grass while the Creator takes Eve’s pulse—
must be sure everything is working as it should.
Eve the Rib is uncertain, eyes downcast.
It must be the uneven terrain
that forces her knees to the ground,
because surely these gentlemen
would never refuse to offer assistance
or comfort in this unfamiliar place. Surely
the Creator would take her hand,
a divine and dazzling warmth,
and help her find her footing. But Adam’s toes
tangle in the Creator’s robes like a playful child
and it is he who holds Adam’s gaze.
Even the rabbit, already granted his playboy bunny,
turns an indifferent tale to this farce
just beginning to be written.