how thrilling the sound of clapping
long had I derived pleasure
by reproaching fate
i who am blind and unsightly
had been deafened
by the mocking of many
ah, how this refreshing wind
washes my impure heart
in my dark world I remained
besieged by regret and despair
but now a change has come over me
i have suddenly developed a desire
to embark upon a new voyage
and live for a hundred years
in the course of my life’s journey
i have always done something or other
slowly but surely
being conscious of the inexorable passage of
time to a blind person like me
there is no day and night
pride, I have not
a re-making of our jaded history
has metamorphosed all for me
like a snake slipping out of its old skin.
today, hope imbues my life anew
beacons from a brighter future beckon me
in my mind’s eye I picture
the frail mingling free with the mighty
at this promising hour
a spirit of love and tolerance
reinforced by a sense of equality
infuses the ambience
and an explosion of hope, as it were,
greets everyone
when the curtains go up
