...these eyes...

   

                               What be these eyes but the light as perceived
                               What be these eyes but the seen as believed
                               What be these eyes but a window to the soul
                               What be these eyes but the morning sun of gold
                               What be these eyes but the silver stars of night
                               What be these eyes but the seeking of light
                               What be these eyes but time present and past
                               What be these eyes but visions distant and vast
                               What be these eyes but blinded of sight
                               What be these eyes but deep inner light
                               For never be the eyes blinded to GOD supreme
                               For within depths of darkness divine light ever seen.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

Raphael, 1483 - 1520,  Drawing of the Transfiguration, in preparation for the painting, 1516-1520.
 Photograph: Ashmolean Museum Oxford.