One time

I saw an eagle fly

Just over my head

So close I could hear wind in its feathers. 

Had I not lifted my eyes

I would never have seen. 

One time

I saw a crystal gleam

Just by my boot

So close I could pick it up and see the light.

Had I not lowered my eyes

I would never have seen. 

One time

I saw the dark

All around me

So complete I could lose all I saw.

Had I not closed my eyes

I would never have seen.

Let us plant Scotch Pine just for the memories. 

Let us plant apple trees.

Long rows of cottonwood,

to reach for the sky someday,

like we never could.

Let us reach far ahead,

to outlast all we spoke:

go for the gold!

Let us plant oak.

No matter how many birds I watch,

How many hours I study

The curve of wing tip

The swoop and hover

The highs and lows

And stamina,

I just can't seem to fly.