Its Milton.. I finally remembered!!

“ಸಂಕಟ ಬಂದಾಗ ವೆಂಕಟರಮಣ” is popular Kannada adage. It is when we are at our lowest, do we think of God. Natural human tendency! I tend to get philosophical when things do not go my way.

Ever since I have come to free pool, I have been trying to remember something in vain. It was always at the back of my head and came to me in flashes at times but I could neither relate nor get it completely. Yesterday night after dinner, I grasped what I was trying so hard to recollect. It is this poem by John Milton called “On his blindness” which I first read when I was in high school.

Similar to the “Nindhana sthuthi” of our very own Bhadrachala Ramadasulu, Milton blames God and despairs over his blindness in this wonderful piece of poetry. He accuses Him of being unfair. Finally his conscience speaks saying “all that happens, happens for the good”. Yet another proverb!

Like I said, I tend to become philosophical when I’m not my usual self. I must be frustrated subconsciously that I have been unknowingly thinking of this particular poem. Or maybe the effect of my continuous autosuggestions that everything will work out just fine.

I’m not saying I’m on par with Milton but the poem sort of echoes my sentiments at the moment. NSP sir did a great job while dealing with this poem. I’ve been cribbing about recession and free pool while Milton cribbed about his blindness. And “waiting” is what I’m doing too….

On His Blindness

When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait."

~ John Milton