On Staten Island Ferry Poem by Maurice Whelan

Among the many moments that comprised his years,
One was, he said supreme, exalted, made him whole,
A portal to an inner world was opened wide by tears,
A single glance revealed to him rich secrets of a soul.
She, a face in the crowd moved on way, he the other.
Tear-filled eyes through him and from him
Sought salvation, sought release from shame,
Without a word he freed her from all blame.
He never saw her again. There was no before or after.
Daily within his now crowded world she comes,
Visitations he knows for sure will never cease:
Tearful Vermeer girl with pearl earring - their masterpiece.
Through eyes' windows he saw and he was seen.
Fate he said had honoured him a humble human being.