The Gifts Poem by Barry Middleton

the garden was filled with gifts
fruit hung in rank, damp shade
birds in ravenous harmony sang
the forest sounds caressed sleep

man was in dominion of beast
the greening of leaf and root
food and shelter by the waters
silver shadows awaited capture

the beauty of woman was a grace
to her honored service orchids grew
and all flowers led to her compare
as adoration of the paschal seed

the pride of man was his strength
to aid and never court contempt
reaching for a comrades hand
to share the bounty of the hunt

of blessed gifts, holiest was fire
gathering at dusk the families
to praise the tribe and the earth
and the sacred laws of kinship