Bird Song

The world goes on as it was, even without you
(though it will never be the same).
The Robins sing in the early dark of morning
and I take comfort in their presence.

The second cataract, though smaller, left behind
a blood blotch in the corner. It reminds me of
something. My mother wearing sunglasses to
cover up my father’s rage. Or the softball I took
to the eye in high school. Yet the body is resilient.
The heart, slower to forgive and now, more than
ever, I appreciate the kind helpfulness of others.

Healing happens when we’re doing other things.
When we’re listening to bird song instead of fussing
we can’t read yet. When we see a magnificent old
Oak on the way to the Ophthalmology center and
appreciate how beauty waits for us to notice.

There’s so much beauty in this world. I keep on saying
it, keep on noticing, keep on reminding others, lest we
forget and get swallowed up in despair. Birds sing
through the worst of times, I don’t know how but it
helps us all survive until times are better. How can we
repay this generosity? Just be grateful.

LBM 8/18/2023