When I Consider How My Light is Spent
by John Milton
In my youth before I wore goggles (that’s what I used to call glasses), everything I saw looked like it had been hit by various bugs and smeared with windshield wipers. But, I never thought my vision was bad. Then I began wearing goggles of my own and my vision suddenly became a newly discovered treasure. When I read Milton, I realized that though I wore glasses, I had brilliant, fortunate light to spend, and that I did indeed need to treasure it. So my vision entailed a mission; I had to be worthy of my sight, because hell, Milton was blind and he still wrote great stuff.
Justin Hunter
Student, San Jose State University
San Jose
When I Consider How My Light is Spent
When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide;
“Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?”
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need
Either man’s work or His own gifts. Who best
Bear His mild yoke, they serve Him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at His bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.”
Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Blog 
What a poem! That opening line is just…wow. Thanks for sharing this one, Justin.
This is awesome 🙂 Great poem and description, Justin!