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Poem
May 29, 1838
Morning Herald
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
A blind boy poetically questions the invisible aspects of the world—summer air, music, flower scents, and sunlight—expressing wonder and frustration at his lack of sight.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
The Blind Boy
Tell me the form of the summer's soft air,
That tosses so gently the curls of my hair;
It breathes on my lips, and it fans my soft cheek,
But gives me no answer, though often I speak;
I feel it play o'er me, refreshing and light,
And yet cannot touch it, because I've no sight;
And Music-what is it? and where does it dwell?
I sink and I mount with its cadence and swell,
While thrilled to my heart with the deep going strain,
Till pleasure excessive seems turning to pain.
Now, what the bright color of music may be,
Will any one tell me? for I cannot see.
The odors of flowers that are hovering nigh.
What are they? on what kind of wings do they fly?
Are these shining angels, who come to delight
A poor little child who knows nothing of sight?
The face of the sun never comes to my mind:
Oh! tell me what light is, because I am blind!
Tell me the form of the summer's soft air,
That tosses so gently the curls of my hair;
It breathes on my lips, and it fans my soft cheek,
But gives me no answer, though often I speak;
I feel it play o'er me, refreshing and light,
And yet cannot touch it, because I've no sight;
And Music-what is it? and where does it dwell?
I sink and I mount with its cadence and swell,
While thrilled to my heart with the deep going strain,
Till pleasure excessive seems turning to pain.
Now, what the bright color of music may be,
Will any one tell me? for I cannot see.
The odors of flowers that are hovering nigh.
What are they? on what kind of wings do they fly?
Are these shining angels, who come to delight
A poor little child who knows nothing of sight?
The face of the sun never comes to my mind:
Oh! tell me what light is, because I am blind!
What sub-type of article is it?
Ode
What themes does it cover?
Nature Seasons
What keywords are associated?
Blind Boy
Sight
Music
Air
Flowers
Sun
Senses
Poem Details
Title
The Blind Boy
Subject
A Blind Boy's Reflections On Sensory Experiences
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
Tell Me The Form Of The Summer's Soft Air,
That Tosses So Gently The Curls Of My Hair;
And Music What Is It? And Where Does It Dwell?
The Odors Of Flowers That Are Hovering Nigh.
Oh! Tell Me What Light Is, Because I Am Blind!