Ode to Glass

 Disclaimer:  I snipped this from the James Bay Victoria Beacon newspaper in March 2025 when I visited Butchart Gardens. I thought it was SO GOOD that I had to share. Big thanks, Colin Couper.

Water is required to wipe away dirt, and to clean away the haze,

it only takes a little work and now I look on brighter days.

I can see right through you, I can see through your pane,

you're really quite special, when we all can see again.

From in the house, you protect me, shield me from the rain and cold,

in the mirror you reflect my image that shows me getting old.

You can totally change my outlook, spectacles correct my outward vision,

You're even on the Hubble telescope, where you're grounded to precision.

Now you can hold your liquor, lots of whiskey, wine and beer,

you can be molded in beauty and can be made crystal clear.

You are strong but also you are brittle, both at the same time,

and your character can be shattered, broken at the scene of crime.

As a windshield on the open highway, you keep debris from our eyes,

and sadly, we take you for granted, no longer a bright surprise.

You are truly a unique specimen in society a needed touch of class,

so, to you we raise our drinking vessels as we thank, and toast you, Mr. Glass.