The holidays are upon us once more and although it seems like it was only yesterday since lasts years but when I look back on all that I’ve done this year I can’t help but reflect on all I’ve achieved and all I’ve been through. I’ve travelled to America 5 times this year, speaking at events meeting friends new and old. I’ve been a part of some incredible events. Earlier this year I got to visit San Francisco to be the keynote speaker on behalf of Foundation fighting blindness for their Investing in cures summit at the beautiful Ritz Carlton hotel in Half moon bay. It was made even more special as I attended it with my wife which was her first time in America and our first overseas trip just the two of us. I also got to bring my wife and son Austin to Florida for his first trip to America. We attended Visions 2022 in Orlando exhibiting my children’s book Austin’s amazing adventures. It was such a special moment seeing Austin signing books to people there and him basking in the limelight as the books main character. Truly a magical experience and a legacy I’ll be forever proud of. I’ve travelled to Florida several times performing poetry workshops and being a part of a very special event entitled Let’s get artsee with my good friend and supporter Barb Calhoun. These moments I’ve cherished and the impact they have had on those who attended has been incredible. I want to say a huge thank you to Florida agencies serving the blind and especially Amy Grissom the CEO for her unwavering belief in me and my poetry. The difference you have made to me and my family means the world.

So as we approach the holidays and reflect on all that’s happened this year I feel excited for all that’s to come in the next chapter and no matter how much vision I’m yet to lose I know that I’ll focus on not what’s gone but all I have today and all that’s yet to come.

Happy holidays

The Blind Poet

Don’t take your sight for granted

the things that you can see

Life’s beautiful feel in memory seal

consume them carefully

The smiles of those who love you

that look within their eyes

Each frame hold on

for soon may come

the day it shrinks in size

For I know how important

this little left I’ve got

I’m thankful for the sight I have

won’t dwell on what I’ve not

Tomorrow’s sight uncertain

No promise of our cure

So I will love and cherish these gifts today for sure

I’m hooked on visions beauty

I’m lucky for it’s grace

I soak in every detail upon my true loves face

For soon that blurred tomorrow will finally be here

So I won’t blink whilst on the brink

This blindness I won’t fear

Although sometimes I worry

for days when sight has gone

I know that when that time arrives this life will carry on

I’m an expert at adjusting

Been doing it for years

I’ve learned to breathe whist I still greave

I’ve learned to own my fears

I’m stronger than I thought

I’m braver than you think

For I have saved my life before when stood there on the brink

I wonder though sometimes

if my heart is growing numb

These days I don’t feel half as much for what is still to come

It flows like waves in ocean

Like sudden change in tide

I sit here writing words for you

whilst from outside I hide

But I have made a promise

that I won’t stay here long

For even in the darkest times I know that I am strong

My battles with depression

These anxious feelings shake

I try to find new ways to win

from the moment I awake

But you won’t see me failing

Just try and try again

For through these words my thoughts are heard

by hand of Poets pen

#TheBlindPoet