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On His Blindness by John Milton   
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John Milton
John Milton (1608-1674 / London / England)
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Son of a music composer, Milton was educated at St Paul's School and Christ's College, Cambridge. He began writing poetry at university, where he gain .. more >>
135 poems of John Milton
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On His Blindness

User Rating:

7.9 /10
(35 votes)



  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,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies: "God doth 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."

John Milton


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Read poems about / on: ocean, work, light, dark, god, death, world

 
  Comments about this poem (On His Blindness by John Milton )
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  Glenn11 Austria  (7/21/2009 6:54:00 AM)

was dat really our purpose? wat a pity, , we lived this short, painful, tiring, never ending it seems sometimes, , , but its the best ive got, , and i dont think living an endless life after that would be this GREAT! , , even if its wid the so called saviuor, , ide rather live wid my mother hu sacrificed part of her life for me, or my friends hus always there for me, , if it is really 1 of my purpose it wud be the least id do
  Kainwo Moses  (6/17/2009 6:17:00 PM)

I cannot agree more with Ian. This 'blind' poet has sharper eyes that those who rate him less than 10. Any line from this poet at all times will send me to sleep well anywhere any time. There is a message here for both the abled and the differently abled. John Milton has taught me to stand and wait. May his sould find peace with his Maker upon whom he now waits...
  Ian Fraser  (2/25/2009 9:12:00 PM)

Of all the poets in the English language none had greater literary ambition than John Milton. In his massive 12 book epic 'Paradise Lost' he sought to depict both the Creation and Man's fall, with the aim, as he put it, 'to justify God's work to Man'. That he he did not entirely succeed in doing so is part of the history of Western civilization. Most modern readers see this 'little' piece as being rather a poignant reaction to a great personal tragedy, but it is much more than that. It is typical of Milton that it is a perfect Petrarchan sonnet, a form little used in English verse (Shakespeare's sonnets use a different form) . The Petrarchan sonnet was traditionally associated with love poetry and it is entirely appropriate that Milton should express his love of, and submission to God in this form. This immaculate piece of verse perfectly illustrates the difference between classical and romantic (and modern) literature. The final line has entered the language in the way that few other than Shakespeare's have.
  Abigail Willemse  (2/25/2009 6:47:00 PM)

A profound poem on his blindness. It shows his complaint, but also the way out; to serve God the best he can with his disability, and to wait on God's timing. This beautiful poem demonstrates his faith. and shows how that faith gives him purpose and light, even in his darkness.
  Roshni D'Souza  (2/25/2009 6:28:00 AM)

What a great reminder of an eternal truth!
  Prerak Bhatnagar  (12/15/2008 11:07:00 AM)

This poem is personal and contains incredible thought that God who is omnipotent omnipresent gives strength to bear the situations.
  Edith Oram  (2/25/2008 11:08:00 AM)

This poem contains pain, comforting and highlights once again that all are equal in the sight of God. Some thought is necessary to decipher parts of the message. A good poem. Edith Oram
  Beth Linnebur  (2/25/2007 10:13:00 AM)

this is a very good poem their is emotion and hurt you can feeel i it

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11/25/2009 1:06:11 PM. #.34# You Are Here: On His Blindness by John Milton

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