Discovering the Camera

In the afternoon, 
Walking on the lake’s soft border,
I discovered the camera.
It came alive in my hands.
My eye responded to its prism.
Its intricate works knew their work.

The pelicans swam as if directed,
An unseen hand guiding them,
Leading them into the lake’s clear field
Full of grace--
Oblivious to me, to be sure, but also
Oblivious to all forces aligned against grace.

My view of the birds opened as a door
Upon the symmetry and beauty of their bodies, and beaks, and
Upon the grace with which they moved.

____________

Jim Bolner, Sr.
Baton Roue, LA
November 17, 2004