Bohemia Village Voice

[From ‘Bohemian Bagatelle‘, published 1979 by the Bohemians]

IF I CANNOT SEE

I may never see again

The beauty of a woodland glen,

The azure blue of summer skies,

The softness of my Mother’s eyes,

The beauty of a swallow’s wing,

The wonder of the days of Spring,

Sunshine on a sparkling sea,

The blossoms on an almond tree,

Blazing poppies in a field of corn –

The dewy softness of an April morn.

If I cannot see

What pleasure will be left for me?

The scent of lilac after rain,

Sounds of music which I love –

The gentle cooing of a dove,

Soft breeze of summer on my face,

The feel of velvet – touch of lace,

The laughter of a child at play,

The pungent smell of new-mown hay,

The firmness of your hand in mine

When my steps falter,

The strength to live with cheerful grace,

Although I cannot see your face,

These pleasures will be left for me,

If I cannot see.

Louise Stuart