PAID IN ADVANCE

What is the cost of a day in Spring —

A wind-swept, rain-washed golden day?

A day that with joy is bubbling —

And dancing adown a world mad-gay?

You've paid for that day with days gone by —

The gloomy days and the days of rain;

The days that you'd like to forget — and try —

Days that were tuned to a note of pain.

Others there are who will never forget

The lowering clouds and the sodden world,

But — though you paid as they paid, eyes wet —

Your banner of courage was still unfurled!

That was the price of this day in June,

Paid in advance with a shrug and a smile —

While others complained, you heard a tune,

Making the gloomiest day worth while!