Pride

Genesis 1:27 – "So God created mankind in his own image, 

                             in the image of God, he created them; 

                             male and female he created them”

This is how our history has been told in your book, 

in the words of your saints and prophets,

a matter we must never doubt of.  

Forgive us for questioning, but where are

the power and mastery we should display,

which we have been looking for so long?   

Where are the wisdom and clearness, 

where is an eternal life or, at least, someone like  

that of Methuselah, who lived for nine hundred 

and sixty-nine years?

We lived by your side so little, and quickly  

You banished us, locking the Paradise Gate,

there placing those cherubim brandishing 

their deathly flaming swords.

Perhaps, in lieu of immortality, we developed

greatest and warmest a love, for and from    

each one of us, what You could ever dream of. 

Also, may You believe,

having forgotten your primeval purpose,

boldly, unconsciously, perhaps,    

so we should prefer to continue living.

---

Edilson Afonso Ferreira, 82, is a Brazilian poet who writes in English rather than Portuguese. Has launched two poetry books, Lonely Sailor and Joie de Vivre; has 380 different publications in international literary journals, and is a Pushcart nominee. He began writing at the age of 67 after retiring from a bank. He is always updating his works at www.edilsonmeloferreira.com.