The Garden of Idunn

By Birgitta Jonsdottir

She hides her apples
in a wooden box
sealed with magic.

She feeds them to those
who have chosen
to let their souls grow.
So that their flesh
won't wither away.

Feeds them to
the trembling mouths.
She cuts a little piece
from the apple of youth
places it in the craving mouth
so it may be fresh
as her spring flowers.

She walks her garden silently
with the box
well hidden in her heart.
Waters the apple tree
with her tears of compassion.