Education at the Mall

author’s note:

In the poem below, I don’t say much about the couple’s appearance.  I wanted you to see them for yourself.  Who knows?  You might see some people you know.

You might even see your own union.


EDUCATION AT THE MALL

Many years ago
I entered a contest at a shopping mall
hoping to win a diamond ring—
I wanted to prepare
for the eventual realization
of my romantic dreams.

No, I wasn’t ready yet—
I needed to learn more about love
before I could give the love
necessary for success with another.

As part of that education
the one who pulls the strings within
drew me to the second level of the mall that morning.
And then to the walkway
where I looked down to see
a couple strolling
across the checkerboard floor below.

Hand in hand they went—
happy as storybook twins
though they seemed a complete mismatch.
Not only a contrast, but a conflict of appearance.

Ah, but then my deeper eyes perceived
how each beamed with the same spirit.
Bright light had joined with bright light.
I saw:
The fire they’d made with their twin flames
could eventually grow into a blaze
strong enough to guide ships through storms.

I saw:

If I feared the sneers and jeers of our world
I might close the door to the light I need
and locked in my cell, I could not spread
the light I need to give.

As a student, I often feel humbled
and promise to do better
when I witness such bold proclamations of love.

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© 2026, Michael R. Patton

Improving My Vision

author's note:

Dedicated to you.


IMPROVING MY VISION

For my own protection
I worked to comprehend
the mad behavior
of the human being

and saw so much
in the course of my investigation—
naturally, I became confused.

So for clarity
I looked to the only person
that could grant me full access
to the heart and head of a human—
I sat down in the shadows
and turned my eyes within.

And felt both amazed and blessed
by the motley bounty I found inside.

But as I understood more
I also understood less:
whatever illumination I gained
was overshadowed
by the expanding mountain of information
I gathered in my inquiries.

I tried hard to sort it all out
but in time, I needed a rest.
So I turned my eyes back out.

I then discovered
my vision had improved
during the turn:
now
when I looked at someone
I often noticed something
I had already seen in myself.

And so it was with you:

As soon as I saw you, I saw
you held quite a lively mix inside
and so I wanted to look deeper.
And so I saw your pain

and so I felt compassion for you

then also felt compassion for myself—
or at least, the part of me
you reflected.

You say you now want to turn away
and look within yourself.
Well, I’ll miss you, but please do—
yes, explore the wonders
of that Universe—
take in until your head spins.

You may become even more confused
but at least you’ll feel empathy for
all those overwhelmed by the mix
who react in spasms of bad behavior.

mythsteps · Improving My Vision

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