Saturday, April 20, 2013

who stand and wait



Patiently waiting dogs outside a nearby coffee shop…not quite what Milton had in mind with his near perfect sonnet, On His Blindness. I don’t mean to make light of this beautiful poem, but the focused waiting of these dear companions immediately made me think of the final line…a beautiful reminder for me about patience and what our purpose really must be.

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
Lodged 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."

 

4 comments:

  1. Oh faithful friends - and one desperately hoping for a frisbee game! I haven't read Milton since college, Duff - a long time ago!

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  3. I see the frisbee dog on his way to Dolores Park to play frequently. He seems to be patiently waiting for his human to get caffeinated and then off to the park.

    Must admit, Milton is not usually on my recreational reading list. The famous last line just popped up and I did have to go find the rest of the poem. ;-)

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  4. Sometimes, I think I should go back and reread, but I don't think I have the discipline...

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