Most of us listen to the stories being told by family members, friends, mentors, and many others through word of mouth. But, have you ever heard a story through someone’s eyes? Have you ever taken the time to look deep into their eyes and see exactly what they are expressing to you?

As I sat down and read a poem my best friend Carl sent me recently called “Beyond The Eyes”, it was intense, raw and had many meaning behind it. So, I took a few days and reflected on what exactly did it mean. A few days passed, and it reminded me of a story my grandmother told me at the hospital a few weeks ago. She disclosed what happened on that night in random sequences. As she continued, I was confused to what exactly she was trying to tell me. However, using context clues the story came about of a man who took advantage of her without her permission. As she struggled to express her experience of what that night, I looked deeply into her eyes. I saw more words in her eyes than words that came out her mouth. Her eyes vocalized the pain she faced that random night. The physical, mental, and spiritual effects following sexual assault and rape are difficult to cope with, even years after the experience. Looking into her big wide brown eyes that afternoon, it spoke a million words to me as she continued to tell me her traumatic story.

Everybody has one important person in their lives. For me, the most influential person in my life is my grandmother. She is a traditional Haitian Woman She is a woman who faced many challenges in her life, but it never stopped her from getting to where she is now. She is still alive and with no regrets to what happened to her in life. I admire her for her strength, wisdom, love, courage, and many more words you can think of. She is an inspiration to the family and for that I am forever grateful to have her as my little granny.

Words can tell you a lot, but the essence of looking into a person’s eyes can tell you more of their history and past. Hopeful sharing this poem will help you discover more beyond the surface of the two pupils you encounter on the daily bases. There's just looking at them then there's looking deep into their eyes. Does that mean you're staring so hard that you're pretty much examining your reflection in their irises? Noticing how big or small their pupils are? What do you see?

I challenge you to read the poem and interpret what it means to you.

“Beyond The Eyes”

Beyond the eyes

Listen to the stories being told

that come not from words nor mouth,

but from what the eyes behold.

These eyes tell stories of

everything and everywhere

but only yearns for love and care.

some linger in the hospital,

some are welling up with tears,

some have aged throughout the years,

some are glaring with strong envy,

some glist with trust,

some are fluttered,

some pierce the world with vengeance

and others flattered with sweet lust.

These bloodshot eyes,

they look upon the ground,

lips are trembling

but make no sound.

Agony wraps itself around us

and tightens us up.

its presence leaves no evidence

except a look within and beyond the eyes.

- Carl E. Mars

What does looking deep into a person’s eye tell you?