Eyes of Eagles

Grind, children, grind
From the world we left behind
We have one chance enough to be free
Grind, children, grind!
Though the work was never kind
Through the eyes of the eagles we shall see

Lowly sand, snowy sand
From the beaches of the land
Melt it down in the potterer's fire
Flux and blow, make it glow
'Till like water it shall flow
Let it flow to the form we desire

Pour it bold from the mold
Let it slowly take the cold
'Till a clear coin of crystal it lies
Now they feel strong as steel
Grind it on the sanded wheel
'Till its shape mirrors clear eagle's eyes

Edges thin as a pin
And the center thick within
Domed as smooth as a raindrop can be
Without haste, without waste
Polish clear with pumice paste
'Till the wonders of Earth you can see

See how clear, see how near
See how great small things appear
Let your sight grasp the sea or the skies
Stack them true, two by two
And what's far shall come to you
Call them lenses or glass eagle's eyes