O say what is that thing call'd Light,
Which I must ne'er enjoy;
What are the blessings of the sight,
O tell your poor blind boy!
You talk of wondrous things you see,
You say the sun shines bright;
I feel him warm, but how can he
Or make it day or night?
My day or night myself I make
Whene'er I sleep or play;
And could I ever keep awake
With me 'twere always day.
With heavy sighs I often hear
You mourn my hapless woe;
But sure with patience I can bear
A loss I ne'er can know.
Then let not what I cannot have
My cheer of mind destroy:
Whilst thus I sing, I am a king,
Although a poor blind boy.
For a poem from so long ago, the language seems remarkably modern. I think someone has revised it somewhat, but it contains a very good message. We should be thankful for the things we do have and not wish for those we don't.
sorry, I mistakenly clicked the thumbs down Kim. I share in your opinion
A great poem, inspirational and with positive attitude which is evident by the fact that the blind boy has accepted his disability and enjoys life in ways he can and feels himself to be a King while singing songs. Thanks for sharing.
After searching for so many years, I found the author of the poem that have been engraved in my memory since childhood just from listening to my Dad recite it. My Dad whom would have told me more passed 15years ago, I am so happy and emotional right now. This AMAZING poem have been an inspiration!
One off the best the first time I heard it was 52 years ago and I still remember it
We should take time to walk in the shoes of the handicapped- -not to pity them but just to try to understand the life they have and the life they enjoy and do our best to enable that kind of life