 |
 |
|
"Truly Blind" |
|
|
|
The doctor told me in as few words as possible.
You’re going blind, she said, void of tact and compassion.
I shuddered, I cried. . .I prayed.
I asked God to not let this happen,
Even making the generic empty promises that everyone does
When they want something from him.
He did not answer.
That was ok.
Hooded people were burning His houses,
And hurting His children.
They needed God more than I did.
I could wait.
I returned to playing my guitar.
The notes became crisper and clearer with time.
I guess the practice paid off.
Two years passed. They took my license away.
My machismo panicked and left me
With a “For Rent” sign for my manhood.
The car wasn’t that nice. It wasn’t a Jaguar.
But it was my freedom, my great escape, my ticket to the world.
I prayed. . .asking God to not take this from me,
Reiterating my bargains.
He did not answer.
That was ok.
Mothers were mourning in Kentucky.
Their babies were dead because little boys
Can’t handle rejection anymore.
They needed God more than I did.
I could wait.
I was busy myself.
I had met someone who would drive me places,
And even read too me.
I was happier than I had ever been.
I guess the therapy paid off.
A year passed, and so did my life long dream.
Who would ever want to see a blind doctor?
Money was short and the government was offering a king’s pay.
Five hundred dollars goes a long way in a young man’s mind,
Too bad that the streets are not paved with gray matter.
I was broke and going nowhere.
I cussed, I screamed. . .I prayed.
I asked God to, please, show me the way.
Do you think I forgot to bargain?
Not a chance!
Still, he did not answer.
That was ok.
Revolts were growing in Kenya.
Children were being converted to walking shields.
They needed God more than I did.
I could wait.
I went back to school with the state footing the bill.
I like the thought of teaching philosophy.
There are no wrong answers, and no one will die if there are.
I guess the redirection paid off.
I was content, but still puzzled.
I had still not heard from God.
I prayed. . . .
Not that I needed anything.
Just to see if I could get a response.
I guess I was teasing.
He did not answer.
It was not ok, though!
Nothing was wrong with our damn planet,
And he still wouldn’t talk to me!
“Fine!
You don’t want to talk to me?
I won’t bother you anymore!” I thought.
I sat down on the park bench
And listened to the world around me.
I smiled as I heard the sound of the wind,
Whispering through the trees..
I heard the gurgling of the fake waterfall
And found solace in the fact that someone tried.
Then, my favorite sound filled my ears. . .
“I love you,” she said as she snuck up behind me.
I hung my head in complete shame,
And realized that I had many promises to keep.
Brian Thornton
2001 Lubbock, Texas
Contact Roger to discuss availability and pricing: email