The Fall

The Fall On the anniversary Adam coaxed Eve, complaining, distracted, to the clearing for the invented ritual. He had been uneasy since, repeating actions in certain ways as if, had he got things just so, THAT might be taken back. She too had organized a routine around planting, milking, nursing-- also the same. Yet she was satisfied. But now there was this extra thing, and Adam killing the new lamb to which Cain, now crying, had been so attached. The kindle sparked uncertainly as he blew gently through cupped hands. The fire gradually caught and he lifted the lamb onto the grate. Together they then stood staring into the rising smoke, Adam squinting for a shape, a sign, the image of himself.