To Sorrow's Castaway

Why do you write so sombre, little one?

 

You speak of pain and sorrow here,
But there is more in the world, my dear.

 

The trees in May, the sun so mellow,
Buttercups that turn a child's chin yellow.

 

Look not to your sorrow or your pain,
But lift your eyes up; see through the rain.

 

Have you not heard the birds' song sweet,
Or felt fine sand beneath your feet,
The tang of apples firm and round,
Or purr of a kitten, the love of a hound?

 

Cast off your anger and your pain,
Let the speakers speak, though they speak in vain.

 

Know this and let your heart be light,
Though the speakers howl with all their might,
To yourself be true, and if the speakers yell,
The best revenge is to live and live well.