COMPENSATIONS

When first the shadows fell, like prison bars,

And darkness spread before me, like a pall,

I cried out for the sun, the earth, the stars,

And beat the air, as madmen beat a wall,

Till, impotent, and broken with despair,

I turned my vision inward. Lo, a spark -

A light — a torch; and all my world grew bright;

For God's dear eyes were shining through the dark.

Then, bringing to me gifts of recompense,

Came keener hearing, finer taste, and touch;

And that oft unappreciated sense,

Which finds sweet odours, and proclaims them such;

And not until my mortal eyes were blind

Did I perceive how kind the world, how kind.