Poems (Kennedy)/Price of Paradise
THE PRICE OF PARADISE
LEGEND says that our first parents Eden's joys were forced to leaveSince with apple red and juicy Satan tempted Mother Eve.
Much I doubt this quaint old story Knowing woman's eye for trade,Mother of all dainty shoppers Better bargain sure had made.
Something novel 'twould have taken Her fastidious taste to suit;What cared she for one small apple While the garden blushed with fruit?
Looking long this Easter morning At the bonnets trimmed with lace,Noting, too, the smile seraphic That illumed each wearer's face—
Knowing well their love for head-gear, Verily I do believe'Twas a bonnet, not an apple, That the devil gave to Eve!
Nothing else could tempt her fancy, Though the devil's bill to pay,Adam had to mortgage Eden And move out that very day!