Eyeglasses

You’re awkward,

like a third ear

or a tail no longer in use.

***

You perch

and slide

pinch and ride high,

and threaten to fall off,

but never seem to.

***

You’re steady in that way.

Considerate.

Helpful.

***

And loyal, for most

find you annoying.

Bookish.

A four-eyed incumbrance

That makes us look older -

like our grandmother but

without the pearls or wisdom.

***

And yet without you, ah without

you, we crash into walls,

endure falls. Trip

miss, squint and look

toadlike in mixed company.

***

Introverted. Unloved.

***

But with you -

We fly. Drive high,

build bridges, and count stars

near and far.

Court and dance,

see birds in flight

and perchance -

a comet streaming across the sky.

***

We find love -

see doves on wires

cooing above and think -

What a beautiful world.