Then Laugh

Build yourself a stong box, Fashion each part with care; When it's strong as your hand can make it, Put all your troubles there; Hide there all thought of failures, And each bitter cup that you quaff; Lock all your heartaches within it, And sit on the lid and laugh. Tell no one else its contents, Never its secret share; When you've dropped in your care and worry, Keep them forever there; Hide them from sight so completely, That the world will never dream half; Fasten the strong box securely, Then sit on the lid and laugh.

Bertha Adams Backus