I thought my eyes were stinging
Till I saw a blind man pass,
I thought my legs were aching
Till I saw a cripple there,
I thought that I had nothing
Then a beggar on the street,
Asked me for a penny
That I placed within his hand.

I thought my clothes were tatty
Till I saw a lowly tramp,
Who sheltered from the bitter cold
In nothing more than rags,
I thought that I was hungry
Till I saw him feed upon,
The bread thrown for the pigeons
In the dirty market square.

I complained about the noises
Till I heard a deaf man say,
He longed to hear the songbirds
That did sing upon the bough,
I knew then I was lucky
And so many worse than I,
I thanked the Lord for what I had
Then went upon my way.

ANDREW BLAKEMORE

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-thought-my-eyes-were-stinging/