Softly every night they come <br /> To the picture show, <br />That old couple, deaf and dumb <br /> In the second row; <br />Wistful watching, hand in hand, <br /> Proud they understand. <br /> <br />Shut-ins from the world away, <br /> All in all to each; <br />Knowing utter joy as they <br /> Read the lips of speech . . . <br />Would, I wonder, I be glum <br /> Were I deaf and dumb? <br /> <br />Were I quieted away, <br /> Far from din and shock? <br />Were I spared the need to say <br /> Silly things in talk? <br />Utter hush I would not mind . . . <br /> Happy they!--I'm blind.<br /><br />Robert William Service<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-afflicted/
