I came across an old couple once
The man deaf, his companion, blind
Holding hands, I could tell they'd been in love for years
And I smiled in admiration, in awe
And I asked
"How long have you been together?"
And the women smiled, signing into the man's hands
The look he gave me is something I will never forget
As he laid his hand gently upon her shoulder
And they answered, in unison, 'forever.'
I smiled, tears pouring down my face
Then the woman smiled in my direction
And asked me a question I will never forget
"Would you rather be deaf or blind?"
Without hesitation, I replied.
"I could not choose either
For were I blind, I would lose her smile
And were I deaf, I would lose her voice."
The woman smiled down at me, reaching out
Her husband grabbing her hand and kissing it gently
"Can I change my answer?" I asked politely
"Of course" she responded.
"I never knew a sound so beautiful as her voice
A sight so beautiful as her smile
So given this rather complex choice
I'd have to sit and think a while
And after pondering many hours
I think I would come to see
That love like yours, that love like ours
Needs not be heard, nor seen
That such an innocent beauty
Will survive my every memory."