I came away from Glastonbury
A blind man came with me
I offered him a lift in my car
A two hour drive to Basingstoke
We talked most of the way
When he left I felt I’d lost a friend
What was it caused this feeling?
It was the way he listened
Not having sight he had to pick up hints
Tone of voice pausing every bit of me
He gathered me like learning history
I remember two blind performers
In town here years ago
I stood and watched for ages circling
He played an instrument
Plus electric drums
She sang oh my how she could sing!
That blind man at the races
The one who owns the horse
Always seems so jolly gentle too
I’ve seen this quality in them all
They cannot take us in
Protected from the scowls
The awkward grin
The way the world attacks us all
In visual dissent
Looking hostile looking vague
Uncertain unsure intent
These complications they do not see
They must depend on sound
Their elemental kindness
A blessing so profound
Brian Fahy
27 May 2021
Erris Poetry 