Through the Eyes

I read this poem at an LNG hearing in Astoria, OR.

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