BORN DEAF, DUMB, AND BLIND

A flower-soft hand once took my own,—

That touch I never shall forget!

A strange voice spoke — so strange a tone

Mine ear had never met!

It said, “Come — see — my — garden,— Come!”

( The flower-soft fingers closer twined ):

The voice of one born deaf and dumb,

The touch of one born blind!

They thrilled me so, the tears came fast;

But in glad haste she led the way;

Through hall and open door we passed

Into a garden gay.

Her share was but a little space.

It bloomed with pansies dark and bright;

And each looked up with elfin grace,

As though to win her sight.

She smiled — the pansy-faces smiled

Through tears — or was it morning dew?

Down knelt the deaf and dumb, blind child

“I do — give — all — to — you!”

I could not stay those fingers swift,

She plucked me all the flowers she had!

I never shall have any gift

So sweet as this,— so sad!