I Want The Eyes of a Child

i want the eyes of a child.
i want to be able to look at the world in wonder
– not in disgust
i want to be able to go about life expectant of good things
– not of fear

i want the eyes of a child
so my spirit can be lifted with joy
not trampled underfoot by the harsh realities of life

i want the eyes of a child
so i can look everyone squarely in the eye
and smile appreciatively at the welcome reflected
– not cower in terror

i want the eyes of a child
so i can walkabout and smile openly at all i meet
– not hide my face in shame

i want the eyes God gave me when i was born
to look upon the world He created
before the advent of man altered it and all of us

and although it’s impossible to do so right now
the time will come when the rising of the sun
will fill me with the light and strength to carry on

this i know, that as things done come undone
the eyes of a child give way to those of age and wisdom
and i will re-learn to see creation and every one
with the eyes of the child, that is within me still…

-Mike Aragona
November 26, 2002