THEN LAUGH

Build for yourself a strong-box,
Fashion each part with care;

When it’s strong as your hand can make it,
Put all your troubles there;
Hide there all thought of your failures
And each bitter cup that you quaff;
Lock all your heartaches within it,
Then sit on the lid and laugh.

Tell no one else its contents,
Never its secrets share;
When you’ve dropped in your care and your worry
Keep them forever there;
Hide them from sight so completely
That the world will never dream half;
Fasten the strong-box securely—
Then sit on the lid and laugh.

Author: BERTHA ADAMS BACKUS