Paradise Rejected

They hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow,
    Through Eden took their solitary way
                                        (Milton: Paradise Lost)

There must have been a third with them all along
Slinking through the shadows, keeping her distance
Biding her time; hissing adoration.

And now it is Eve and Lilith who come out of Eden together
Sisters under the skin, with their covert glances, their
Sleeves oddly aslant in garments that seem made for other bodies

No way to figure out now which of these two shape-
Shifters is the serpent, which is the bride;
Which one held the apple for the other to eat

Or what they have done with Adam
Sssssssss………………….