The Faces of Life

By Bracha Ebriani

The lone bent man no longer blind
Deathly ashes surround his spade;
He heaves the Earth and tills the blade.

The sweat that drips down on his face
Presents the toils of his race—
Locked with the earth in deep embrace.

The child of his ignorant past
Fruit oozes through the throat downcast.
Gives birth to life on Earth, the outcast.  

Choose death, said she, not endless life.
Her wisdom overtook with strife,
And yet, he listened to his wife.

Delights of heaven enclosed in flame
Swift, gates of Eden shut in disdain,
His eyes wide open to new pain.

All good is gained from struggle, grief
Turn not your back to disbelief
Choose life and you will find relief.

Some strike a match and feel the warmth.
The Earth around, you to transform
That flame is freedom.
 
A tiny seed he plants in soil,
Prays for the rain and clouds embroil
And thence forthwith green blades uncoil.

Don’t doubt the memories of paradise;
It’s not the fruit that does entice.
Choose to live, that will suffice.