"Laugh, and the world laughs with you
         Weep, and you weep alone."
Its the sad old end for many with friends
         Who's hearts are cold as stone.

"Sing, and the hills will answer
         Sigh, it is lost on the air."
Grim words expressed by maiden distressed
         And spurned while voicing care.

"Rejoice, and men will seek you"
         Grieve, and they turn and go?
It shouts full measure the painful displeasure
         Of a heart immersed in woe.

We can be glad for the lessons,
         The pain that rhyme unveils.
Be careful to choose but a loyal few
         To lean on when hardship rails.

"Feast, and the halls are crowded"
         Fast, let the world go by.
Comfort is real and gladly we feel
         The touch of a friend when we cry.

We can dance in the halls of pleasure
         With guests in a casual vain,
But nature demands, strong, trustworthy hands
         In the narrow aisles of pain.