When Troubles Make Smiles
I wrote down my troubles every day;
And after a few short years,
When I turned to the heart-aches passed away,
I read them with smiles, not tears.
—John B. O’Reilly.
Victory From Defeat
If you’ve tried and have not won,
Never stop for crying;
All that’s great and good is done
Just by patient trying.
Though your birds, in flying, fall,
Still their wings grow stronger;
And the next time they can keep
Up a little longer.
Though the sturdy oak has known
Many a blast that bowed her,
She has risen again and grown
Loftier and prouder.
If by easy work you beat,
Who the more will prise you?
Gaining victory from defeat,
That’s the test that tries you!
—Phoebe Cary.
God’s Lamp
If I stoop
Into a dark, tremendous sea of cloud,
It is but for a time; I press God’s lamp
Close to my breast; its splendor, soon or late,
Will pierce the gloom: I shall emerge one day.
—Robert Browning.
Alternate Reading: Psalms 36: 5-12.