John Milton ranks as one the greatest English poets. He stands alongside Shakespeare in impact and fame. He is famous for composing the epic poem “Paradise Lost” in which he dramatizes the original sin – man’s first act of disobedience. But Paradise lost is about 10,000 lines long, and that is not what I’ll present now.
Instead, I would like to present a lovely sonnet called “On his blindness”. At the age of 48, while still in his prime, Milton lost his eyesight. For a wordsmith this was akin to death. He was angry, upset and greatly frustrated. His faith in God was severely tested. “How can I serve God, if he takes away my light”, he lamented. He had only run half the race. How could he go about the other half when he most needed his sight? But in the space of the fourteen lines of the sonnet, he reaches realization and acceptance. He understands God does not need his service. But he also realizes, his destiny is to serve God.
On his blindness
When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodg'd with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest he returning chide,
"Does God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies: "God does not need
Either man's work or his own gifts: who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly; thousands at his bidding speed
And post o'er land and ocean without rest:
They also serve who only stand and wait."
