Vision and Colour (Part One)
Although when I was growing up, I did come across a few unsighted people, I only really started being interested after reading my favourite book (as an adolescent) Wiles of the Wicked by William LeQueux. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity of having a young blind boy, Samih, originally from Sudan, but now a London resident as a guest in Edinburgh. He stayed with us for 3 days. We spent quality time together. I even took him jogging in the park.
I wrote a little poem (originally published on Cowbird, but it bears repetition)
They ask me, Samih, do you not wish you could see the dog
you love so much?
In its bark, in its wet nozzle against my face, in its touch
I capture the essence of all God’s creatures.
They ask me, Samih. do you not wish you could see
the colour of the rose?
In its fragrance, in the way it grows
I capture the essence of all flowers.
They ask me, Samih, do you not wish you could see
your mother?
In the warmth of her embrace, I need no other
I capture the essence of love.
When Allah places a guiding hand over my shoulder
He sends a light to my heart which illuminates everything
Better than would a thousand eyes.
