Helen Keller, though born
deaf, dumb and blind, has astonished the world by acquiring a complete
education, despite her handicap.
My story is now told, and I hope, kind reader, you
are convinced how little able I was to write it. I live in my own way the life
that you do, and I am as happy as you are. The outward circumstances of our
lives are but the shell of things. My life is pervaded by love as a cloud by
light. Deafness is a barrier against intrusion, and blindness makes us
oblivious to much that is ugly and revolting in the world. In the midst of
unpleasant things, I move as one who wears an invisible cap.
Sometimes, it is true, a sense of isolation infolds
me like a cold, white mist as I sit alone and wait at Life's shut gate. Beyond
there is light and music and sweet companionship; but I may not enter. Fate; silent,
pitiless, inexorable, bars the way. Fain would I question his imperious decree;
for my heart is still undisciplined and passionate; but my tongue will not utter
the bitter futile words that rise to my lips, and they fall back into my heart
like unshed tears. Silence sits immense upon my soul. Then comes Hope with
sweet, sad smile and whispers, "There is joy in self-forgetfulness."
So I try to make the light in others' eyes my sun, the music in others' ears my
symphony, the smile on others' lips my happiness.
Helen Keller.
From" The Story of My
Life," copyright. By permission Doubleday. Page & Company.
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