[Missouri-l] The White Cane

[Don and Bev Shockley]

This poem appeared in the program for UWB's fiftieth anniversary in 
October of 1962.

Bev


THE WHITE CANE

I saw a white cane glisten as he slowly walked along,
And it seemed to catch my fancy as I mingled with the throng.
I thought it rather curious, for the canes in town
That I had ever noticed were either black or brown.

And then as he came closer flashed the thought into my mind:
I know the white cane's meaning-'tis the symbol of the blind!
It's just a mild suggestion to the hurrying passerby
To be a little thoughtful of the brother drawing nigh.

When he sees that white cane gleaming in the glory of the day
There is one who walks in darkness who needs help to cross the way.
Tis a blind man's modest symbol that where'er his pathway wends
He is certain great and lowly, rich and poor are all his friends.

I've forgotten who began it or from whom the notion came,
But the white cane for/the sightless is a thought deserving fame.
In life's feverish helter-skelter we go running right along
Little heeding, little noting who may need us of the throng.

But the white cane, tapping, tapping, as a symbol of the blind
Should remind us to be watchful, to be thoughtful, to be kind.

Edgar A. Guest
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