As one blessed with the gift of sight, through eyes that reveal to us the beauty of the world, and every product and creation on it, I am sure no one can even fathom what it means to live in a world of darkness, not knowing what things look like, which they can touch but not see. Such is the world for the blind-those who were born without the gift of sight, or lost it somewhere along the way. While it is wrong to feel so, but in terms of comparison, to have seen once or for a while is better than not having seen at all.
My first close encounter with the blind had me stunned-they existed on the periphery of my world, I had seldom spared them much thought, even though I felt sorry for them. I felt they were there somewhere far removed from my world. Till I came face to face…and got an opportunity to reach out to them. Facing fifteen children with smiling faces, was a shock that made me feel guilty for being complete…with a perfectly normal body and every possible gift life could have bestowed on me. My mind was in a state of turmoil with this close encounter, not being able to understand…would I be able to get close to them, would I cringe away from them, would I be able to look them in the eye?
After the first time, I had a choice…I did not need to go back, no one was forcing me, and the easiest option in front of me was to stay away, rather than push myself to try and teach them English…I knew my own limitations of not being a qualified teacher…would I be able to do justice? But all they needed was a bit of hand holding, a bit of support, and a bit of loving comfort as they picked up a few words of English.
And as I began to look at these innocent little beings, oblivious to their surroundings, I thought for a moment about what must be going on in their minds, and these words came up:
I opened my eyes into this world, but darkness enveloped me
I heard those soft endearing voices, but the faces I couldn’t see
As I grew, I knew my life would be a dark hole
To feel and touch, hear and speak, but sight was not mine to be
I hear sounds but the source remains an enigma
I taste and smell, but how things look I may never know
But still I feel the joy of being alive,
And know my way around to go.
I don’t know how many in this world can see
Who talk about the beauty seemingly surrounding me
All that I know is that I live with many like me
We bond due to our disability, and together we survive happily
The gift of touch helps me imagine
The sounds also have a story to tell
And with these I try and visualize
And I am told, the picture I draw comes out well.
Perhaps life is not fair, but I must not complain
I will have a tough life, but it might be without pain
I may not have much, but I will be untouched by greed
Because what I cannot see, I will never crave.
I can survive with simple joys and pleasures
Grow with the genuine warmth I discern
I wish I get not sympathy or pity
Only some care and genuine concern.
I live for today, thinking not far ahead
I should be able to build a life for myself
It will not be easy, but a path will open up instead
And who knows, one day, sunshine and light might just appear itself.