Soft and Low

You can’t sing loud the whole day long,

You might disturb the passing throng;

But in your heart you still can croon

A little hopeful, soulful tune.

And you can sing it all day long,

It won’t disturb the passing throng;

Once you can sing away your gloom

E’en though you’re in a darkened room.

So sing away, and croon away,

Your little hopeful, soulful lay.

You cannot whistle all the day

It might disturb the grave or gay,

But you can trill a softened note

Within the regions of your throat.

Deep down, just loud enough, you see.

To charm you with its melody.

And you can whistle thus all day,

It won’t disturb the grave or gay;

But it will lighten work and pain,

Your little hopeful, soulful strains.

April 15, ‘09