MY PHILOSOPHY

Life is a game that all must play;

Though you win or lose, though you gain or pay,

Whatever the cards you hold, I say,

Throw back your head and laugh.

Keep Youth's fire at your heart aglow,

A clasp for a friend and a fist for a foe,

And then let come or joy or woe,

Throw back your head and laugh.

Laugh, though the world upon you frown,

Laugh, though the deeps your soul shall drown,

Many a better man goes down —

Throw back your head and laugh.

And when Death's hand on your shoulder lies

And the world grows dim to your failing eyes,

Let him not say: “A coward dies.”

Throw back your head and laugh.