Poems (Tynan)/Second Sight
SECOND SIGHT
"Sister," said blind Dara, "What do you behold?" Round her and St. Brigid Flowed the dawn's gold. "Sister," said blind Dara, "Would that I might see Veils of gold and silver Drawn on hill and lea!"
Over her and Brigid Carolled the lark, Hills were heights of Heaven, Though their feet were dark. Dew in the shadow Pearled the gossamer; Kine in the meadow 'Gan to low and stir.
Mists from the bogland Curled like silver smoke. Young birds were singing In the spreading oak. To the east and southward Scarlet grew the world, And the sun leapt upward, As a ball is hurled.
Brigid, lost in praying, Touched her sister's eyes;"O," she said, "my sister, Dove of God, arise! Eyes no longer sightless. See His glory spread!"Dara, with a loud cry, Lifted up her head.
Saw the little rivers Glide through bogland brown, Where the yellow iris Flaunted her gold gown. Saw the sea of scarlet Flush on hill and wood; Praised God's name, rejoicing That his works were good.
"Yet," she said, "my sister. Blind me once again,Lest His presence in me Groweth less plain. Stars and dawn and sunset Keep till Paradise, Here His face sufficeth For my sightless eyes."
"O!" she said, "my sister, Night is beautiful,Where His face is shining Who was mocked as fool. More than star and meteor, More than moon or sun, Is the thorn-crowned forehead Of the Holy One."
"Haste," she said, "and plunge me Once again in night, Lest perchance I lose Him, Gaining my sight." Brigid, lost in praying, Touched her eyes once more, And the light went fading Off sea and shore.
All His creatures praise Him, From daylight to dun. Stars and moon and cloudland, And Messer the Sun; Seas and hills and forests, And the frozen waste: Dara in her blindness Praiseth him best.