through the eyes

(a poem for the anti-LNG meeting in astoria,OR)

Through the Eyes

Through the eyes of the fish,
Swimming through water cold and shimmery,
Soon to be served steaming on dinner dish.

Through the eyes of the deer,
Raising her head at the noise,
Flicking tail to alert danger and fear.

Through the eyes of the eagle,
Soaring gracefully overhead.
Caught in ocean drafts while looking for next meal.

Through the eyes of the mouse,
Scurrying this way and that,
Looking for food and a twig for his house.

Through the eyes of the snake.
Lazily basking in sinking afternoon sun.
Not a care for any motion’s sake.

Through the eyes of the frog.
A chorus of ribbit ribbit ribbit.
Wides eyes awake as darkness covers the bog.

Through the eyes of the sea lion,
Barking commands to protect his space.
Rolling his large body over and over to find a better place.

Through the eyes of a little boy,
Spying white caps from car window.
Dreaming of becoming a big river pilot guiding convoy.

--matt crichton
4/23/10

how odd of God

How odd of God,

To bring that hilarious light here.
Here to my quick and cynical response.

May the spirit disturb you—indeed.
Touch of God. Touch my God.

Take Holden home in my jar,
To a place where faith grows deeper.
Wider.

--matt crichton
8/14/10

Remembering Grandpa

Remembering Grandpa

Grandpa I do remember blackberries,
Memories so sweet and sharp.
Many times I thought of confectionery,
Bud did not know the art.

Summer time was so much fun of course,
Yes indeed I do recall.
BBQing in the evening sun,
Chicken pieces and softball.

I remember grandpa’s pickup truck,
Grumbling loudly down the street.
We always seemed so struck with luck,
Blue faithful invincible to defeat.

Grandpa’s humor did amaze us so,
We wondered at such talent.
Bottom of the barrel jokes did flow,
And the man was so very gallant.

Wall street journal, a daily event,
Read from cover to cover.
Willing to pinch a penny and a cent,
Many stories and tips to discover.

I remember grandpa’s stern words aplenty,
Would lead us to great wisdom.
Many times drilled in before age twenty,
Would save us from many a conundrum.

Grandpa I love you oh so much,
Memories never will be forgotten.
Hope that you give grandma strength,
All help needed to clean a den so rotten.

--Matt Crichton
2/10/10