12/30/12 - "They also serve who stand and wait."

They also serve who stand and wait.

Fine Art Prints and Art Gifts

When I was first deciding what to title this image, I thought it had something to do with the military. However, a brief Google search led me to its correct origination. It's a quotation from the great English poet John Milton (1608-74). 

After going blind, Milton wrote the poem "On His Blindness". In the sonnet's last line, he reflects that even with his disability he has a place in the world:

When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one Talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
"Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?"
I fondly ask. But Patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, "God doth not need
Either man's work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.

Fire hydrants also stand blindly, awaiting a call to duty that may never come; but ready, willing and able to serve nonetheless.

Camera Data

Make:Canon
Model:Canon EOS 5D
Shutter Speed:1/99 second
Aperture:F/5.6
Focal Length:58 mm
ISO Speed:50
Date Taken:Dec 20, 2012, 3:38:08 PM
Software:Adobe Photoshop 7.0
Sensor Size:19mm