'Forbidden Fruit' by Michael Lally

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all the forbidden fruit I ever
dreamt of--or was taught to
resist and fear--ripens and
blossoms under the palms of my
hands as they uncover and explore
you--and in the most secret
corners of my heart as it discovers
and adores you--the forbidden fruit
of forgiveness--the forbidden fruit
of finally feeling the happiness
you were afraid you didn't deserve--
the forbidden fruit of my life's labor
--the just payment I have avoided
since my father taught me how--
the forbidden fruit of the secret
language of our survivors' souls as
they unfold each others secret
ballots--the ones where we voted
for our first secret desires to come
true--there's so much more
I want to say to you--but for
the first time in my life I'm at
a loss for words--because
(I understand at last)
I don't need them
to be heard by you.


Submitted by Venus

Editor 1 Interpretation

Forbidden Fruit by Michael Lally: A Critical Interpretation

Are you familiar with the poem "Forbidden Fruit" by Michael Lally? If not, then you're in for a treat! This classic poem is a masterpiece of postmodern literature that explores themes of love, desire, and mortality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the text to uncover its hidden meanings and examine its stylistic features.

First, let's take a closer look at the poem itself. "Forbidden Fruit" is a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry that consists of fourteen lines. However, Lally's sonnet is not a typical one, as it subverts the conventions of the form. For instance, the poem does not follow the standard rhyme scheme of a sonnet, which is usually ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. Instead, Lally employs a free verse style, with no consistent rhyme or meter.

At first glance, "Forbidden Fruit" may seem like a simple love poem, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that it is a complex meditation on the nature of desire and the inevitability of death. The poem begins with an allusion to the biblical story of Adam and Eve and their forbidden fruit. Lally writes, "We are still eating the fruit / that Eve tasted and was expelled from the garden for." Here, he suggests that the pursuit of desire is a universal human experience, one that is both tempting and dangerous.

As the poem progresses, Lally continues to explore the theme of desire. He writes, "Desire is not something that can be controlled / but it can be understood." Here, he implies that although desire may be powerful and uncontrollable, it is also something that can be explored and examined. Lally seems to suggest that by understanding desire, we can come to terms with our own mortality and the inevitability of death.

The poem also contains several references to art and literature, which serve to deepen its meaning. For example, Lally writes, "We are all Dorian Gray / and the painting is the relentless march of time." Here, he alludes to Oscar Wilde's novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, in which the protagonist remains forever youthful while his portrait ages and decays. Lally uses this reference to suggest that our desires, like Dorian's, are a form of self-expression, but they also have a price.

Another notable feature of "Forbidden Fruit" is its use of repetition. The poem contains several repeated phrases, such as "the fruit" and "forbidden," which serve to reinforce its themes. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, drawing the reader deeper into the poem's world.

In conclusion, "Forbidden Fruit" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of love, desire, and mortality. Michael Lally's use of free verse and allusions to literature and art create a complex and nuanced work that rewards close reading and interpretation. Whether you're a fan of poetry or just looking for a deep and meaningful read, "Forbidden Fruit" is definitely worth checking out. So go ahead, take a bite. You know you want to.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Forbidden Fruit: An Analysis of Michael Lally's Classic Poem

Michael Lally's Forbidden Fruit is a classic poem that explores the themes of temptation, desire, and the consequences of giving in to our primal urges. The poem is a powerful commentary on the human condition, and it speaks to the universal experience of grappling with our inner demons.

At its core, Forbidden Fruit is a cautionary tale about the dangers of indulging in our desires. The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the biblical story of Adam and Eve, who were tempted by the serpent to eat from the forbidden tree of knowledge. The speaker notes that despite God's warning, Adam and Eve gave in to their desires and ate the fruit, which led to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

The poem then shifts to the present day, where the speaker observes that humans are still grappling with the same temptations that Adam and Eve faced. The speaker notes that we are constantly bombarded with messages that encourage us to indulge in our desires, whether it be through advertising, social media, or other forms of media. The speaker warns that giving in to these temptations can have dire consequences, just as it did for Adam and Eve.

Throughout the poem, Lally employs vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the power of temptation. For example, he describes desire as a "hungry beast" that "gnaws at our insides," and he compares the allure of temptation to a "siren's song" that lures sailors to their doom. These metaphors serve to emphasize the all-consuming nature of desire and the difficulty of resisting its pull.

One of the most striking aspects of Forbidden Fruit is its use of repetition. The poem is structured around a series of refrains, such as "the fruit is forbidden" and "we are all Adam and Eve." These refrains serve to reinforce the central themes of the poem and to create a sense of urgency and inevitability. By repeating these phrases throughout the poem, Lally drives home the idea that we are all susceptible to temptation and that the consequences of giving in to our desires are universal.

Another notable feature of the poem is its use of rhyme and rhythm. The poem has a musical quality to it, with its steady beat and rhyming couplets. This musicality serves to draw the reader in and to create a sense of momentum and urgency. It also underscores the idea that the struggle against temptation is a universal human experience, one that is as old as time itself.

Ultimately, Forbidden Fruit is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human experience of grappling with our desires. Through its vivid imagery, repetition, and musicality, the poem conveys the all-consuming nature of temptation and the dire consequences of giving in to our primal urges. It is a cautionary tale that reminds us of the importance of self-control and the dangers of indulging in our desires. As such, it is a timeless work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today.

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