University of Virginia Library

OF ONE WHO NEITHER SEES NOR HEARS

(HELEN KELLER)

She lives in light, not shadow;
Not silence, but the sound
Which thrills the stars of heaven
And trembles from the ground.
She breathes a finer ether,
Beholds a keener sun;
In her supernal being
Music and light are one.
Unknown the subtile senses
That lead her through the day;
Love, light, and song and color
Come by another way.

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Sight brings she to the seeing,
New song to those that hear;
Her braver spirit sounding
Where mortals fail and fear.
She at the heart of being
Serene and glad doth dwell;
Spirit with scarce a veil of flesh;
A soul made visible.
Or is it only a lovely girl
With flowers at her maiden breast?
—Helen, here is a book of song
From the poet who loves you best.