Eyes Up

The series begins with a simple poem that is kind of a metaphor for the series.

May 01, 2023

Hi readers! We are pleased to present you this poem from Sara Oyela as the first metaphor in this new series. She says… “I wrote this kind of on a whim in June of 2022. I tapped it out into a Microsoft Sticky Note on my phone, and then a day later created an IG Reel with it, using a piano composition by Hans Hernandez.”

In this poem, there are allusions to at least two places in the Bible. The poem also addresses a popular cultural saying. Check back here on Friday evening to find out what allusions the author thought of, and for more of her insights about the piece. Before Friday, you will have a chance to share your thoughts on the piece in the chat, and also test your knowledge of, and challenge yourself to dig into, the Bible.

Thanks for reading and following along! We are excited you are here.

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I keep my eyes up,
up in the clouds,
up in the sky,
up in the trees,
up at the various avian
perched on the wires,
as much as possible.

Obvs, I can’t when I’m
driving, and so oldest daughter
shoots the video while I mostly
keep my eyes on the road.
I’m practical, too,
I follow the rules,
when they’re from above.

But, look, my earthly usefulness
comes from being heavenly minded.
My mind is stayed on
the atmosphere’s covering,
the oxygen I breathe,
the water for my field,
the song that moves my feet.

I can’t help it. These things
fill me with perfect peace and
steady me. I take, spend time,
to gaze on these and they get into
the depths of me - to heal, restore,
and fill me to overflowing,
fruit-bearing, life-giving abundance.

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