Eden

in my mind there is a place

hidden--with Wisdom--

in the mountains;

tucked away in the valley of Solitude.


in the center there is a Well:

let us call it Peace

and all around that place

is a garden, immaculately groomed.


beds of flowers, herbs, vegetables,

trees laden with fruits,

bounties of nuts,

all watered from the Well by the Gardener.


there are animals, too, of course:

birds chirp elegantly,

and fish swim

in a pond lined with turtles.


there is a wall around this Garden,

and on the south side

a House

with a row of guest rooms in the east.


there is no electricity here,

only candles and oil lamps

and a grand fireplace

with more purpose than warmth in winter.


raised here as children, eventually

we can see nothing but

that Wall around

and assume its goal is to trap us.


consumed with curiosity, we peek

then climb to the top

and jump over,

while the Gardener cries in the window.


close your eyes, children,

and let us return

to Laughter:

it is not just a place in my mind.