A Dollar Out of Fifteen Cents

Eden

By

I’ve heard of this land

Haven’t been there

but they tell me it’s nice

It goes by the name of Eden

but look at me with all my vice

They say of its fruit

The ones my wicked tongue can’t taste

Is as sweet as candy

but I am a sinner full of waste

I hear of my friends

The pure ones I so admire

Are regulars there

but I can’t visit because I desire

My friends, my family

All but my dirty little self

They showed me a picture of Eden

Filling me full of spiritual wealth

The speaker reflects on a place called Eden, which they have never visited but hear is beautiful. They acknowledge their vices and sinful nature, feeling unworthy of its sweetness, described metaphorically as candy. While their pure friends frequently visit Eden and inspire admiration, the speaker feels excluded due to their own desires and perceived moral shortcomings. Despite this, the friends and family have shared a vision of Eden with the speaker, instilling a sense of spiritual wealth. Ultimately, the contrast between the speaker’s self-perception and the idyllic nature of Eden emphasizes feelings of longing and regret.