SORROW'S USES

The uses of sorrow I comprehend

Better and better at each year's end.

Deeper and deeper I seem to see

Why and wherefore it has to be.

Only after the dark, wet days

Do we fully rejoice in the sun's bright rays.

Sweeter the crust tastes after the fast

Than the sated gourmand's finest repast.

The faintest cheer sounds never amiss

To the actor who once has heard a hiss.

To one who the sadness of freedom knows,

Light seem the fetters love may impose.

And he who has dwelt with his heart alone,

Hears all the music in friendship's tone.

So better and better I comprehend

How sorrow ever would be our friend.