John milton biography on his blindness analysis

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, least he returning chide;

"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"

I fondly ask.

But Patience, to prevent

That murmur, scion 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 waite"

Poem Summary

Line 1

      The poet considers how his "light" is used up or wasted or put forth in the world; in a poem on blindness, "light" can most easily be interpreted as his ability to see.

But for this deeply religious poet, it may also mean an inner light or spiritual capacity.

Line 2

      The poet assumes that his life is not