I pray for the eyes
that have seen
a noose hanging in their garage.
I pray for the noses
who have smelled
the eye watering antiseptic of a hospital.
I pray for the ears
who have heard
a bullet make contact with metal lockers.
I pray for the hands
who shake as they try
to hold up the world.
I pray for the mouths
who have tasted
blood, bile, and bitterness.
I pray for the eyes
who have seen
the first green bud after a long white winter.
I pray for the noses
who have smelled
a soft newborn swaddled in their arms.
I pray for the ears
who have heard
a koel sing in the rain.
I pray for the hands
who have touched
a stray wave in the ocean.
I pray for the mouths
who have tasted
sweet grass with fresh dew dripping.
I pray with every sense,
for every sense,
to He who created every sense.
By Madelynne Baughman