​The Third Lens

Sat at breakfast today with a septuagenarian named Joel,
His life of over 7 decades has allowed him meals from many a bowl.
The conversation steered towards his purchase of tri-focal lenses,
A subject that might be at the top of many credenzas.
 
How did this subject ever come into play?
Something is either up close or much farther away.
Is Joel missing things halfway--his vision stunted?
Is Joel's life devoid of detail--his acuity blunted?
 
Sounds like a marketing ploy to me, an optician's scheme,
Excellent vision is worth pursuing--tis a swallowable theme.
But Joel isn't a jet pilot or a forward observable,
Nor is he a race car driver keeping his car swervable.
 
I guess I'm missing the need for yet another lens,
Unless your life or your work on excellent vision depends.
But as I thought of this, I wondered what I have been missing,
Maybe I do need tri-focals--this subject I've been dissing.
 
I think my vision is complete, no improvement needed,
My optometrist hasn't brought it up--his advice I would have heeded.
Call me a mocker, a skeptic if you will,
Just what need does the third lens fulfill?
 
Audiologists perhaps from optometrists could learn,
Maybe our ears could other sound ranges yearn.
Nose doctors could implant a spectacular device,
To further distinguish between cooked stew and rice.
 
Live your life well--do what is absolutely necessary,
But tri-focals?  A subject upon which you should not tarry.   
 
Dave Hale hale-agency.com 
09/07/11
Ottawa, KS  On a clear day!