Eyesight -

Seahorses have really great eyesight.

Unlike me.

I’ve worn glasses since first grade, when I cried worrying about how other kids would see me.

(I know. Ironic.)

A seahorse has keen eyesight because it can look forwards and backwards

at the same time.

Imagine being able to look ahead but gaze back

synchronously.

Unlike me.

I tend to set my sights on scenes from the past.

Examining and re-examining,

still worrying about making that comment to CJ on the bus

or wondering why I didn’t stand up to Natasha’s brother when he said I was from the jungle.

I imagine a healthier balance of looking forward and backward,

having the ability to independently maneuver my eyes, to see with perceptive clarity,

even in murky & troubled waters.

To remember the past to make way for the future.

* * *

On the flipside, seahorses are terrible swimmers.

They rely on their dorsal fin primarily to move.

Which causes them to awkwardly navigate through water.

Great eyesight with poor movement.

Seahorses work with what they have.

Despite their shoddy skills in an aquatic world, I marvel at these creatures.

Not for their inefficient movement but for other aspects of their life.

Like did you know seahorses mate for life?

And every morning they do an elaborate courtship dance with their partner, changing colors,

sometimes in murky & troubled waters,

spiraling around the one they love,

despite their shitty swimming skills.

Seahorses still show up for their partner, reveling in love, even when they are not known for their ease of movement.

So maybe that’s even more important than having excellent vision.

To show up, even when you’re ill-equipped.

To be brave enough to join the dance.

To be there for your people.