Eyes to See

 I found the way to the tree of life,

Or rather, it was shown to me.

The path looked hidden, steep and hard

But I had eyes that could see.

I thought it for the good and great

And not for such as me

But found that all could walk that way

As long as they have eyes to see.

I said that the cost would be far too great

But found that the path was free,

Save I must seek to share the way

With all who have eyes to see.

I said to my friend and my neighbour too-

“Come walk this path with me.”

They shook their heads and said “What path?”

For their eyes were too blind to see.

But what sweet joy I have had as I’ve gone

Despite vale and hill and adversity,

All of which have just made me strong

And my eyes are much brighter to see.

So years have passed since I began to walk

And am still yet to reach the tree

But look, how bright with hope it shines

For those who have eyes to see.

But when I think of that other path

That broadly descends to dark, silent sea,

Then my heart is filled with tenderness

For those with eyes too blind to see.

O that I could make the path plain,

From their blindness set them free,

Salve their blind eyes, remove their blind scales,

So that at last their blind eyes could see.