Thanks to Josie Mills, chair of the Arapahoe Community College’s English Department. She came to philosophy class today to discuss John Milton’s poem, “On His Blindness.” Though almost everyone was new to this poem, there were a lot of very thoughtful responses.
The Waking
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow. I feel my fate in what I cannot fear. I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know? I hear my being dance from ear to ear. I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you? God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there, And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how? The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair; I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
