DIDACTIC: "THE EYES" BY IKECHUKWU FRANK

The mouth may smile, while the eyes confess,

They carry stories words cannot express;

They hide our battles, our joy and pain,

And whisper what silence cannot explain.

The eyes reveal where the heart has stayed,

The dreams we pursue, the choices we’ve made;

What we keep watching can shape who we are,

For the eyes can follow a dream or a scar.

Some eyes hold laughter, some carry tears,

Some have grown weary from carrying years;

Some say, “I’m fine,” though their spirits are tired,

Some still hold hope when all hope has expired.

The eyes can admire, the eyes can desire,

They can kindle love or awaken a fire;

They can envy another, or celebrate grace,

For the heart leaves fingerprints upon the face.

Two people may stand where the same winds blow,

Yet see different worlds in the scene they know;

One sees a closed door, another sees a way,

For vision is shaped by the heart every day.

So guard what you watch, and what you allow,

For yesterday’s vision can shape your now;

What enters your eyes may settle within,

And quietly mould who you become in the end.

But eyes can be blinded by judgement and pride,

They may miss the wounded standing beside;

So learn to look deeper than colour or skin,

For every quiet soul has a story within.

And when life grows dark and the pathway is dim,

Look beyond the trouble and search for the light within;

For eyes are the windows through which souls may speak—

So let yours reveal a heart strong, tender, and meek.

© IKECHUKWU FRANK 

-Nigeria.

“The Eyes” by Ikechukwu Frank is a reflective and didactic poem that explores the eyes as a window into the human heart and inner life. The poet explains that although people may hide their feelings through words or smiles, their eyes often reveal their true emotions, experiences, desires, struggles, and hopes. He also emphasizes that people can perceive the same situation differently because their outlook is influenced by their experiences and state of mind.

The poem further warns readers to be careful about what they continually watch and allow into their minds, as these things can gradually shape their character and identity. It encourages people to look beyond physical appearance, colour, or social judgment and recognize the hidden stories and struggles of others. In the final stanza, the poet urges readers to seek hope even in difficult moments and allow their eyes to reflect a heart that is strong, compassionate, and humble.