Hugging my staff in my blindness
I begged of the passer-by,
As sat blind Bartimæus
Till the Master heard his cry.
I heard the shouts of the people
And I knew that the Lord was near,
But I hugged my staff the closer
And shrank as if in fear.
I heard the divine compassion
Of the voice that might bid me see
And still, though I knew its meaning,
I crouched in my misery.
For I feared the light of knowledge,
I knew it meant ways untried,
I knew there was labor and sorrow,
So I wavered terrified.
But at last I turned, and the Master
Bade me open my holden eyes,
And 'twas him I saw, not my labor,
As I gazed in glad surprise.
Then up I sprang, and flinging
My useless staff away
I followed, nor heeded the shadows
When around glowed the brightness of day.
