A computer declared
that any man
who could unravel

The Gordian Knot

with its elaborate twist
and ties, loops and curves,
sinewed fibers, drawn taut
 
was destined to become

Adam gingerly touched
the knot, tracing
its shape underneath

his trembling hands

He wished to untie it
but struggled
without success

as many others before him

He reasoned
that it would make
no difference

how the knot was loosened

He picked up his knife,
used to filet fish
used to skin rabbits,

and sliced into his ribcage

cutting the Gordian Knot
in a single stroke
removing one rib

just to become