Freak Flag

"Let your freak flag fly,"
They tell you
So let it fly
A banner blowing bravely in the breeze
Forever
Or awhile
Or don't.
It's your flag.

But do unfurl it!
Spread it on the grass and have a sunny picnic
Cocoon yourself in it against the bitter winter cold
Or sew it into your cloak and traipse the forest with your elves and sprites.

Just never let it sit
Folded and memorial on a shelf in the den
Collecting dust and shame
A monument to splendors that might have been.

Darkness

We walk through the night 
In darkness so black
No stars light the way
Or keep us on track

But way off ahead
We hear a clear voice
Of one who can see
And we then have a choice

To follow his counsel
And trust he can see
Or wander about
In the dark aimlessly

So for years upon years
I followed that call
I trusted that voice
In the dark above all

Placed foot before foot
Took pains with each stride
Walked on through the night
And I did so with pride

Until one strange moment
I felt a new grace
And something inspired me
To reach for my face

In that pivotal moment
I gasped when I found
That my eyes were constrained
With a blindfold around

I took off the cloth
And to my surprise
The night turned to day
It dazzled my eyes

All the things I had missed
The leaves on the trees
The delicate grace
Of clouds on the breeze

The colors of sky
When the sun hits the west
The beauties of sight
I could never have guessed

And off in the distance
I saw a small man
Bidding others to follow
Wherever they can

And even from here
When I looked I could tell
That over his eyes
Was a blindfold as well

So I turned toward the sun
Leaving darkness behind
And vowed that I never
Again would go blind