Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET: 19. ON HIS BLINDNESS, by JOHN MILTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET: 19. ON HIS BLINDNESS, by         Recitation     Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: When I consider how my light is spent
Last Line: "they also serve who only stand and wait."
Variant Title(s): Sonnet: 16;sonnet On His Blindness;sonnet: 17
Subject(s): Bible; Blindness; Milton, John (1608-1674); Religion; Time; Visually Handicapped; Theology


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-labor, 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."




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