Paradise

Paradise
By Andy Brown

Do I remember her? Of course I remember her, she sat behind me in a few of my classes. She was soft spoken but quick to yell “God bless you”. She had a little smile that would just knock you out and hands that could never hurt. Talk of the school was an understatement. Constantly involved in activities with Him, and a straight ‘A’ student. If eyes were ever set on anyone...

What happened to her? She’s an angel now, of course. Long since left us and flew far away, but her sunshine has darkened since then. She goes to a school far away from here. She walks in paradise with the snake, who’s welcoming grin bears teeth. The angel is nervous, she reaches out a hand and the snake has none to give her. A mouth that once spoke comforts to the angel now spits venom. She is confused; she looks at her hand and sees she holds the apple from the tree of knowledge. The sunshine fades and paradise is dark and aflame. How did this happen, she asks herself. You’re nothing, he tells her. The angel tries to fly away but her wings are clipped. She sits on the floor of her dorm room clutching a silver cross. Her sweet eyes, filled with tears, are looking for help. She’s lost. But a hand reaches out to her. She takes His hand and is lifted up. The hand destroys the snake and brings the light back into her life.

Where is she now? Paradise.