Eyes are the windows to the soul.
They are shielded by a delicate curtain above.
Once revealed, eyes are so much more than a simple almond shape.
Well, at least that’s what I’ve heard.
I have a pair myself.
I’ve been told I have wide, doe eyes.
People have countlessly told me that they are a brilliant, vivid shade of blue.
Some have gone so far to say they are,
“a clear shade of blue like a raindrop falling against the window on a rainy day.”
Others have claimed that my eyes have,
“the radiance of summer waves in front of my old brick house.”
My aging mama describes them as,
“revealing the innocence and naivety of a young child.”
Well, that’s where I dare say I disagree with my mother.
Although I’m merely sixteen years old,
these pair of eyes have endured much more than most people do in their lifetime.
I’ve seen death through my father,
his lips sheer white, his face tilted to the side, his chest no longer heaving.
I’ve seen love through my brother,
his lips gently pressing another’s and his protective arm around her waist.
I’ve seen patience through my mama,
she always sat in the same yellowed chair with her wearisome eyes, waiting for papa to come home.
I’ve seen suicide through my friend,
he was lying on the concrete floor covered in crimson red with a tiny yellow, written paper snug in his fingers.
I’ve seen rage through my grandpa,
he pounds his fists against the steering wheel and when he hasn’t had enough, slaps grandma straight across her porcelain face.
I’ve seen hope through my preacher,
he kneels on his own two feet and thrusts his hands towards the sky, begging God to forgive us of our sins.
I’ve seen joy through my sister,
she smiles ear to ear as she watches her little Maddie suck on her sticky, butterscotch fingers.
I’ve seen guilt through my cousin,
he bows his head and refuses to meet anyone’s eye level as an innocent man is framed for a crime he committed.
I’ve seen envy through my co-worker,
her eyebrows tilt downwards when someone purchases a lavender dress that’s worth twenty times her yearly salary.
I’ve lived on this planet they call earth a short time.
But my eyes reveal a much greater time span.
Apart from rage and fear,
they accurately portray me as the woman I am today.
A selfless, helpful woman who hopes that through her eyes,
will gain the inspiration to help a countless number of people unable to save themselves.