Adam, one afternoon
Adam, one afternoon, had gone on a walk
And wandered out of the garden
When he heard people talk.
Rowdy and belligerent was the first group he found
Gathered around a man, beating him
Till he lay on the ground
What crime had he committed, Adam asked, “What Sin?”
But was completely befuddled to know
It was for, the colour of his skin
The next group he found, lay lifeless and still.
Blood dripped from their fingers
Like ink, from a quill.
He wondered, what they had done, to end up lying there; dead
And was perturbed to hear that it was
Because they had gotten ideas of freedom in their heads
Adam turned back to the garden, he had seen enough
The walls closed behind him
As he mused that life was, indeed tough
On his next walk, he’d probably stay here
Where he was safe and protected;
A flaming sword, oh so near.
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Written based on the title of the book ‘Adam, One Afternoon’ by Italo Calvino