My Beautiful Lutein

Sitting in the optometrist's office,

with my appointment not quite upon us,

my eyes spy a sign about lutein–

which, I learn, helps with all that is seen.

Lutein, I learn, can be found

where leafy green veggies abound,

and, with zeaxanthin, can make

“internal sunglasses” for eyesight’s sake,

protecting them from oxidative stress

and blocking harsh light’s damaging caress.

The poster praises vitamins A and E,

with free radical protection for you and me.

Copper and zinc are listed as well,

but, again–lutein still sounds mighty swell.

Nevertheless, I must confess,

you spoke with disarming distress

when I lauded “Lutein” as a name–

and suggested our baby be called the same.

Quite pregnant, you provided a labored sigh–

“I see you and I don’t see eye to eye,

and while I hate to defy, my final reply?

No, I don’t think so. Nice try.”

And so into the eye exam, I go.

My beautiful Lutein gone–although,

maybe...just maybe…I can convince my queen

to name our daughter a lovely “Irene”.