Light and Shade

Man hez to sorrow more or less,

     He can’t smile all the time;

They’s bound to be a lot o’ days

     When he ain’t feelin’ prime.

When sorrow loads the human heart

     ‘Tain’t natteral to smile;

Man ain’t a grinnin’ mask of stone,

     He can’t smile all the while.

It’s well enough fur bards to sing

     No constant hope an’ cheer

‘Tain’t good fur man to brood too much

     On gruesome things an’ drear.

It’s well enough to poetize

     On things that care beguile;

But sorrer hez a place in life,

     One can’t smile all the while.

Smile all yur can, hope all you can,

     A song discounts a wail;

But sorrow is a noble thing

     An’ is uv much avail.

Don’t morn without a right-good cause,

     The world prefers a smile;

But do not look for endless mirth,

     Man can’t smile all the while.

Sept. 5, ‘09