Poem by Celia Laighton Thaxter

Courage

    Because I hold it sinful to despond,
      And will not let the bitterness of life
    Blind me with burning tears, but look beyond
      Its tumult and its strife;

    Because I lift my head above the mist,
      Where the sun shines and the broad breezes blow,
    By every ray and every raindrop kissed
      That God's love doth bestow;

    Think you I find no bitterness at all?
      No burden to be borne, like Christian's pack?
    Think you there are no ready tears to fall
      Because I keep them back?

    Why should I hug life's ills with cold reserve,
      To curse myself and all who love me? Nay!
    A thousand times more good than I deserve
      God gives me every day.

    And in each one of these rebellious tears
      Kept bravely back He makes a rainbow shine;
    Gratefully I take His slightest gift, no fears
      Nor any doubts are mine.

    Dark skies must clear, and when the clouds are past
      One golden day redeems a weary year;
    Patient I listen, sure that sweet at last
      Will sound his voice of cheer.

    Then vex me not with chiding. Let me be.
      I must be glad and grateful to the end.
    I grudge you not your cold and darkness,--me
      The powers of light befriend.

1. Slumber Song
2. The Pimpernel
3. The Shag
4. The Sandpiper
5. Lars

David Lawrence Courage ("What makes peoples unsatisfied")

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