It knew no Medicine —

It knew no Medicine —
It was not Sickness — then —
Nor any need of Surgery —
And therefore — ‘twas not Pain —

It moved away the Cheeks —
A Dimple at a time —
And left the Profile — plainer —
And in the place of Bloom

It left the little Tint
That never had a Name —
You’ve seen it on a Cast’s face —
Was Paradise — to blame —

If momently ajar —
Temerity — drew near —
And sickened — ever afterward
For Somewhat that it saw?

Emily Dickinson

A Green Apple

It knew no Medicine —
It was not Sickness — then —
Nor any need of Surgery —
And therefore — 'twas not Pain —

It moved away the Petals —
A Flower Center at a time —
And left the plainer Profile —
And in the place of Bloom

It left the little Tint
That never had a Name —
You’ve seen it on a Bronze’s face —
Was Paradise — to blame —

If momently partly opened—
An Appalling one — drew near —
And sickened it— ever afterward
For Somewhat that it saw?

This story is an Apocryphal version of Genesis. Emily tells a story of Green Apple, not created by God. Forbidden fruits were appalled by the Snake. Adam and eve ate Green Apples.