They wondered why the fruit had been forbidden:
It taught them nothing new. They hid their pride,
But did not listen much when they were chidden:
They knew exactly what to do outside.
They left. Immediately the memory faded
Of all they known: they could not understand
The dogs now who before had always aided;
The stream was dumb with whom they'd always planned.
They wept and quarrelled: freedom was so wild.
In front maturity as he ascended
Retired like a horizon from the child,
The dangers and the punishments grew greater,
And the way back by angels was defended
Against the poet and the legislator.
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Comments1I have to admit, this poem left me feeling a bit puzzled, and somewhat uneasy. It seemed to mix themes of innocence, knowledge, rebellion, and consequence in a way that didn't gel perfectly for me. It presented freedom as something quite intimidating and maturity as elusive, which felt somewhat dispiriting. And I guess that's where my question comes in: is the message here a cautionary one against the pursuit of knowledge and autonomy, or is it pointing out that those pursuits inevitably come with unintended and possibly negative consequences? Would love to know your thoughts.