Edith Matilda Thomas

Born Deaf, Dumb, and Blind

    (At an Asylum)

    A flower-soft hand once took my own,--
      That touch I never shall forget!
    A strange voice spoke--so strange a tone
      Mine ear had never met!

    It said, "Come--see--my--garden,--Come!"
      (The flower-soft fingers closer twined):
    The voice of one born deaf and dumb,
      The touch of one born blind!

    They thrilled me so, the tears came fast;
      But in glad haste she led the way;
    Through hall and open door we passed
      Into a garden gay.

    Her share was but a little space.
      It bloomed with pansies dark and bright;
    And each looked up with elfin grace,
      As though to win her sight.

    She smiled--the pansy-faces smiled
      Through tears--or was it morning dew?
    Down knelt the deaf and dumb, blind child
      "I do--give--all--to--you!"

    I could not stay those fingers swift,
      She plucked me all the flowers she had!
    I never shall have any gift
      So sweet as this,--so sad!