Featured Poem: On His Blindness by John Milton

Here at The Reader Organisation, every team meeting starts with a poem and Milton's 'On His Blindness' was one of the choices last week.  A good 45 minutes of conversation and discussion ensued, and could have carried on much longer, before we got down to the business of the meeting itself - such are the depths of this short but thought provoking piece. Perfect for a Featured Poem.

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,
"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