Last I Saw of Adam

Adam saw the bodies washed up on the shore,

Said "This is what happens when the facts are ignored."

I threw away my ticket and walked back to the bay,

And sailed downriver for the rest of my days.

Before his footprints faded and jungle barred the way,

He pointed the direction where the empires lay;

I looked off in the distance through miles of steam and haze,

And saw the sleeping continents drifting in the rain.

The river passed by cities built upon the banks,

Railroads, trestles, and towers spouting flame;

I turned around behind me and looked for Paradise,

I saw the waters open and I saw the wingtips rise.

Last I saw of Adam he was walking on the beach,

An engine cowl and cabin door were within easy reach;

Far beyond, the hotels rose as night was closing in,

And down the burning barricades the serpent shed its skin.