Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Joy

My heart is like a little bird
That sits and sings for very gladness.
Sorrow is some forgotten word, 
And so, except in rhyme, is sadness.

The world is very fair to me –
Such azure skies, such golden weather, 
I’m like a long caged bird set free, 
My heart is lighter than a feather.

I rise rejoicing in my life; 
I live with love of God and neighbour; 
My days flow on unmarred by strife, 
And sweetened by my pleasant labour.

O youth! O spring! O happy days, 
Ye are so passing sweet, and tender, 
And while the fleeting season stays, 
I revel care-free, in its splendour.