Family Tree

Adam: The wind hissed in the branches, 
green tongues 
whispering 
a secret I could 
never peel open. 

Moses: When I raised my staff
the sea split like a log 
opening its chapters 
into a story 
a whole nation could 
walk through. 

Elijah: Ravens gathered berries
and dropped them 
into my mouth 
as if to plant 
their dark cries 
in my voice.

Jesus: Come closer. 
Taste the wood, 
feel it splinter 
your tongue 
into praise. 

Joseph Smith: I bowed my head 
onto a stump, 
as if to a martyr’s axe 
and when I looked up 
I saw the whole grove 
burning down.