Merci Louis Little Louis lost his sight,
Written by Terry Kelly for
Jefter Publishing - SOCAN
In his Papa's workshop in the town of Coupvray, France.
The saddlemaker's awl that pierced his eye,
In time would help the blind to read and write.
For the soldiers of Napoleon's war,
The tactile night-reading code was born.
Capitaine Barbier showed young Louis, when the war was through,
Who modified it, finger-sized it, to the six dots we all use.
Thank-you, Louis Braille.
We honour you each day
With a world of reading hands.
Six magic dots
Are the keys to the locks
That free the Blind to read.
Je dis, merci, Louis Braille.
I say, thank-you, Louis Braille.
Dearest Louie, I wish you were here,
To touch your gift of genius everywhere.
To look about you at the blind of the world,
Empowered proud men, women, boys and girls.
Louis just like in your day,
Some say we don't need Braille!
But we are millions strong,
Singing loud and clear,
"Vive Louis, Vive Braille"