Gift of Sight

May these eyes be tuned to the shades
of the rainbow washing across skies at dawn
like those of the hummingbird discerning colors
 
in search of nectar. May they be as sensitive 
to traces of light and movement as the eyes
of the barn owl in the forest, as keen 
 
as the eagle’s, curious as the magpie’s, 
quick as the swallow’s, adaptable as the sparrow’s,
nurturing as robins caring for their chicks. 
 
And may these eyes also pierce the fog of plenty 
and see the old man wandering the halls 
of an unfamiliar facility, confused and alone, 
 
the families in the mile-long line of cars 
in the harbor community waiting on a sultry 
summer morning for the monthly handout of food, 
 
windows open, faces turned, and though further
in the distance, see the anguished faces of wars
and turn toward the suffering with compassion.
 
May I seek solutions like warblers migrating 
through perilous terrain and acquire the agility
and prowess of the falcon in my resolve. 
 
As the eyes of the great-horned owl reflect 
light through night, may these eyes emit hope 
and remain open until forever closed.