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Understanding Adam

He was like
a vision, sculpted
from ancient dust,

innocent,
favored, and
perfect.

Harmony bloomed
from his soft hands
as each living being
welcomed his beauty.

Yet, alluring eyes
and forbidden fruit
became his downfall,
unveiling
the unlovely,
the naked, and
the dying.

Now a mortal man,
shame tainted his
weathered palms.

To Adam, Son of the Red Earth,
gentle, like fields of wheat,
passive, like the lion and the lamb.
revered by beasts of land, sea and sky -

when cast from the bliss of Eden,
you then became our Brother.

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Last few words: 
To couple with a prior poem titled "Understanding Eve" Revised... Continually revising...
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content

Comments

The below is a computer generated response from Neo, Neopoet's computer artificial intelligence:

The poem "Understanding Adam" is a thoughtful reflection on the first man in Judeo-Christian tradition. The use of imagery, such as the "ancient dust" and "breath of life," effectively conveys the idea of Adam's creation. The poem also touches on the concept of free will, as Adam is given "so many choices" but lacks the understanding of the consequences of his actions. The line "alluring eyes" effectively portrays the temptation of the forbidden fruit. The use of punishment as the "sin of humankind" is a powerful statement, and the description of Adam being "grounded like sharp gravel into the palms of his dishonored hands" creates a vivid image.

One suggested line edit is to change "Punishment was the sin of humankind" to "Punishment became the fate of humankind," as this better reflects the idea that punishment was a result of sin rather than being the sin itself.

The poem also explores the idea of Man's relationship with nature and the animal kingdom, with Adam being "revered as Brother" by the creatures of the land, sea, and sky. This adds a layer of depth to the poem and highlights the idea of Adam being a steward of the natural world.

Overall, "Understanding Adam" is a well-crafted and thought-provoking poem that effectively explores the themes of creation, free will, temptation, and man's relationship with nature.

Please send feedback about Neo (our computer generated critique system) to https://www.neopoet.com/contact

So very interesting!
L

author comment

I really really feel very comfortable with the idea of the garden of Eden being the period in time when we were a part of nature and didn’t try to master over everything.

Nice job
Tim

It must have been perfect while it lasted...
Thank you for reading!
L

author comment

The poem looks at life "before" we learned how to use everything we come into contact with. The end of the poem: You held favor with beasts
of land, sea and sky
where you were once revered
as Brother.
Is brilliant and it gives the reader an invitation into the world we should live in. I shall read some more of your work, thank you. :)

Give and grow - let's raise our verses together. I'm happy to comment on your work and appreciate a comment on mine.

I appreciate your reading and sharing your thoughts!
Many thanks!
L

author comment

it does not surprise me, your analytical mind diagnosing the happening and coming up with this poem. you bring your subject matter clearly into focus . I like the poem and see most bible subjects as Aesop's Fables, or great teaching stories. thanks for your clear-eyed vision.

*love, Cat

*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.

Like you, I consider many of the Bible stories we've learned through our youth as teaching aides, which now, as my spirituality matures (along with my age) I question a lot. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. It is always wonderful to read your point of view!
Lx

author comment

..where perfect beauty was plucked from his chest, or something like that? The word "delicious" comes to mind!

Thomas

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...so like my lost dreams...the flood

Yes! Love the word! Absolutely love the thought! Perhaps somewhere in the third stanza... I'll think over your wonderful suggestion. I always appreciate any poetic insight and wisdom you bring!
L

author comment

..suggest something for stanza 3, I could bust...
I really enjoy the edits you made.

Thomas

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.

...so like my lost dreams...the flood

my friend! :)
L

author comment

...if lovedly comes back to suggest an edit for the last line in the first stanza, I will. Where the heck is he?

Truly: Thomas

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.

...so like my lost dreams...the flood

Your suggestions are always welcome, and now you have me pondering over that line...
As far as Lovedly, I asked Geezer a few days ago, and at that time, no one had heard anything. There is definitely a void when he is not around.
Thanks so much!
L

author comment
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