The World Is Mine

Today, upon a bus, I saw a lovely girl with golden hair.
I envied her, she seemed so gay, and wished I were as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave, I saw her hobble down the aisle;
She had one leg, and wore a crutch, and as she passed -- a smile.
O God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two legs. The world is mine.

And then I stopped to buy some sweets. The lad who sold them had such charm
I talked with him -- he seemed so glad -- If I were late 'twould do no harm.
And as I left he said to me; "I thank you. You have been so kind.
It's nice to talk with folks like you. You see," he said, "I'm blind."
O God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two eyes. The world is mine.

Later walking down the street, I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play; it seemed he knew not what to do.
I stopped a moment, then I said: "Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word, and then I knew--he could not hear.
O God, forgive me when I whine.
I have two ears. The world is mine.

With legs to take me where I'd go--
With eyes to see the sunset's glow--
With ears to hear what I would know--
O God, forgive me when I whine.
I'm blessed indeed. The world is mine.

By Dot Aaron, 1948.