On being seen

This boat and this buoy, or bomb — 

Whatever it is — 

Have sat in this spot in the park 

For at least 25 years, and probably more. 

I first photographed them in’98, 

While on a weeklong photography class, my first, 

And my first visit to the town where I now live, 

And every time I pass by them 

I remember, so fondly, how that class 

Informed my practice and changed my life, 

And raise a prayer of thanks to the kind man 

Who worked at the photo lab, 

Developing my pictures, 

And encouraged me to step up, 

Admit my gift, and take that course. 

You, too, have a gift: 

I pray there’s someone in your life 

Who sees that, and invites you to explore 

The possibility of offering it to the world.