The poem
Softly every night they come To the picture show, That old couple, deaf and dumb In the second row; Wistful watching, hand in hand, Proud they understand.
Shut-ins from the world away, All in all to each; Knowing utter joy as they Read the lips of speech . . . Would, I wonder, I be glum Were I deaf and dumb?
Were I quieted away, Far from din and shock? Were I spared the need to say Silly things in talk? Utter hush I would not mind . . . Happy they!--I'm blind.