Variations on a theme of an optical plan

Incidental
         (right alongside)
Consequential
          (after)
Including 
          (but not limited to) 
          time passing 
          while you cannot see 

Loss of use
           when you crash into the plate glass window
           because you cannot see
Is not covered

The repair center
the guy with all the lenses in a cushioned box
with all the expertise having to do with lenses
who tells you you look younger than you actually are
and you tell him maybe he needs glasses too
but thanks all the same
the girl who makes the frames
the person who packs them into a box
if they couldn’t make it in today
This is not covered

Time passing
while you cannot see
Things you crash into 
while you cannot see
Any shelf they’re sitting on
while you can’t see
Otherwise awaiting parts
Not covered

Pre-existing conditions, damage from abuse,
Introduction of foreign objects
           Je ne peux pas voir
Modifications or alterations
Failure to follow the care instructions
Are not covered

Third-party actions
Fire
Collision
Vandalism
Theft
Or Acts of God
War
Invasion 
A foreign enemy
          Embassy
          Bone saw
          A bathtub of acid
          These guys are good at what they do
          lorsque vous brisez une vitre de verre
These are not covered

Hostilities
Civil War
Unrest
Rebellion
          While all of these may on occasion be called for
          Remember: they are not covered
Likewise:
a Strike
a Labor Disturbance
a Lockout 
a Riot
or Civil Commotion
            If you fall on your face while wearing your glasses
            If you fall on your face diving under your desk
            Remember: this is not covered 

Preventive maintenance
           Curled beneath the desk
           Remembering
           That this is not covered

Damage which is not reported within thirty
(30) 
days 

Decorative Embellishments
          whatever you want: 
          glitter
          feathers
          pom-poms 
          antennae
          but remember:
          these are not covered

Damage caused by animals and insects 
          Finding your corpse, in a culvert, let’s say
          the nibbles
          the nesting
          ingested lens-shards 
Not covered

Unauthorized repairs
Sold as-is
Products that are lost or stolen
Also not covered

Cleanings, Adjustments, Fittings 
Outgrowth
          you can’t stay young forever, and this is not covered
A change in prescription 
          nor can your eyes (please see above)
Any other medical reason
          and someday, you will die
          beneath your desk
          in the culvert
          in your bed

What is not covered 
          will be laid bare
What is not covered 
          will fall away

©Melinda Rooney, 2020