The Blind Boy-Colley Cibber

A simple poem, read more than a decade back. I remember telling my Mom that I did not want to re-read it because it "made me sad". A 6-year old's view of life did not allow for people being sad without being sad myself. Cut to 2011, I find the poem beautiful. It is not an awesome piece of literature of anything. But it shows the simple, honest kind of courage in going through difficulties, which I see around me in so many forms, and have learnt to appreciate greatly.

The Blind Boy

                ~ Colley Cibber

 O say, what is that thing called light,

 Which I can ne'er enjoy?

 What is the blessing 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

 Then 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 may bear

 A loss I ne'er 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.

[photo courtesy: http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/blog/Image/Blind_man.jpg]