Enlightenment and Enchantment
by
Tracy Neal
©1999

I've stood on the end of a very long pier
And watched as the waves crashed in.
The majestic tide rolled, sand sparkled below,
And my long hair flowed wildly in the wind.
I felt the warm ocean mist dampen my face,
Closed my eyes and heard a sea gull's cry.
Opened them again to see kids building sandcastles,
Sailboats in the distance, and skiers whizzing by.

I've stood underneath some very tall trees
Whose leaves, autumn had turned into hues
Of red and gold, orange and yellow,
Brilliant colors that could inspire a muse.
The leaves left their branches and drifted in the breeze
And all I could do was stare
As they scattered into gutters, rivers, and creeks,
On the ground and even in my hair.
Then I watched as someone appeared with a rake
And swept the leaves into a pile
As nearby children watched with twinkling eyes
Barely hiding their mischievous smiles.
I couldn't help but grin, for I knew in an instant
That as soon as the raker was done,
And had turned his back, those toddlers would dive
Into the pile one by one.

I've stood on the top of a mountain in mid-winter
In an observation tower
And felt air so cold it could freeze your breath,
Make a minute feel like an hour.
But, oh, what a spectacular view!
Snow white were the mountain peaks,
And the branches of the trees, and the billowy clouds,
And the frozen surface of the creeks.
A majestic eagle soared in front of me,
For we were almost at the same height...
And I imagined, for a moment, that on this cold,
Magical mountain, I, too, could take flight.
I pictured myself floating among the clouds
Then resting on a cotton-like pillow,
With only the sounds of frozen branches snapping
And the deer and wild animals scouraging below.

Now, years later, I can no longer stand,
But I sit and marvel at all I see...
The sensations I feel, harmonious sounds I hear,
And glorious colors in front of me.
But I see so much more than I did then;
My eyes have been opened wide.
I marvel at someone taking steps two at a time,
Or skipping in a carefree stride.
It's similar to watching the olympic athletes
Whose talents we ponder in awe,
Amazed by the things they're able to do...
Or watching an artist draw...
Or listening to a heavenly voice
Sing a tune that tugs at your heart strings...
Or attending a ballet where the dancers all sway
Across the stage as if they wear wings.
I experience these things, not with sadness or yearning
For the ability that I've lost...
But with enchantment of things most others take for granted,
And I realize, it's yet another bridge I've crossed.
And this enlightenment might've been worth the cost.

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