Adam's Apple

Adam’s Apple

By Muriel Palanca



If only I could be the apple of your eye,

Would you see past the poison to the beauty inside?

Would you risk your damnation to taste the sweetness within?

Could a snake tempt your hand into a decadent sin?

If someone else picked me, would I seem more appealing?

Would you want what’s not yours, for the sake of a feeling?

Do you reach through the branches, though the fruit is forbidden?

To feel your hands on my skin, what I wouldn’t have given.

Do you care if I wither, if my leaves ceased to grow?

I die a little each time, but I can’t let you know.

I am out on a limb, though it may end up breaking.

With my heart on the line, it’s a chance that’s worth taking.

I don’t regret trying, though you keep pushing away.

Could you still try to save me, though I’m bruised and decayed?

I’ll be patiently waiting for as long as I can,

Until hell freezes over and you’re the last one to stand,

But if by chance you’re too late and my stem’s broken free,

Just remember that apples don’t fall far from the tree.