The Cost of Seeing. A meditation much above

Entering the WC on the Airbus at 30000 feet

After a two hour delay

On the way to the vicinity of Disney World

To consider there the lasting worth of the first three centuries of Christ-following

I glance sideling into the mirror

Long after the end of a very long day in a procession of very long days

And I see, for the first time I can recall,

Lines distinct around the eyes,

And I without hesitation smile posthaste

And grant that these are welcome and

Meant to be

As witnesses to all I have seen

And much more,

To all that I have failed to see.

And here, high above the earth I pledge

That if I am allowed to walk its surface again,

I will be careful to see

Whatever the cost.

(1/8/19)