by anna markowitz

We went to prove we are not something, which is to say
We were not all there to do the same thing, which is to say
We had our reasons.

Where were you?
Fussing with your collar.
Quaking with a new knowledge—
We are nothing like God, we’ve never met Her.
That apple was just a dizzying tumble
Into our own dark hollow. We’ll only diminish
That which we form in our image and likeness.
Our slightness.

Pick up what’s left and march out anyway.
What else is there but
To go forward as planned,
To take your shame for a spin,
To stand with greater others and fight an ancient war.

anna markowitz works in the school of education and information studies at UCLA. she is a developmental psychologist, and loves all things that grow. she was once a member of charis community in charlottesville, but now lives in southern california with her partner.