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."
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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ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteMust 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. ;-)
Sometimes, I think I should go back and reread, but I don't think I have the discipline...
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