To see the sun sparkling on the water,
To watch the Osprey circle high above the bay,
Is to feel the blessed miracle of sight,
And to glory in the beauty of God’s world.
The doctor’s voice was gentle and sympathetic,
As he pronounced me legally blind.
But I live not in a cold, grey world.
For I can see with my heart.
To hear my little bird say, “You’re so beautiful,”
And “I love you” is to see once more,
Her lovely green feathers and rosy breast,
For I still see her with my heart.
To feel our cats, Cricket and Marty,
Brush against my leg, looking for affection,
I can feel their soft fur,
Know I still see them in my heart,
Though the faces of my dear ones are blurred and formless.
My memory holds generations of my children,
Through infancy, childhood to adulthood.
Each as dear and perfectly clear,
For I hold them in my heart.
And my grandchildren, their faces bright, eager,
In their embrace and kisses,
I feel their warm energy and their love,
And I can see them with my heart.
I remember the beauty of the trees, the flowers,
The sunsets and the blue sea and sunlight.
For God granted me a deeper vision,
When He took away my sight.
Editor’s Note: Hope Bradley Finley passed away on January 13 at age 95. The Mattapoisett resident was thrilled to have The Wanderer publish her poems and essays, something we will continue to do this winter.
By Hope Bradley Finley