The poem
Because my eyes were none to bright Strong spectacles I bought, And lo! there sprang into my sight A life beyond my thought: A world of wonder and delight My magic lenses brought.
Aye, sudden leaping in my sight The far became the near; Life unbelievably was bright, And vividly was clear. My heart was lifted with delight, Then--then I shrank in fear.
For faces I had thought were gay I saw were lined with care, While strange corruption and decay Surprised me everywhere: Dismayed I put my specs away,-- Such truth I could not bear.
And now I do not want to see With clarity of view; For while there's heaven hell may be More tragically true: Though dim may be Reality, Sheer love shines through.