Classic Poem

The saving grace of sorrow has been ours
So that this present happiness is sweet;
Yea! doubly so, since long ago our feet
Were pierced by thorns, and seldom touched by flowers;
Past sadness with a rarer joy endowers
These days in which our pulses higher beat;
Like blossoms which uplift, the sun to greet
After the stress of sudden chilling showers.

Fire tempers steel; and thus the test of pain
Shall make souls steadfast, and the true heart strong
And bring tranquility from stormy years;
Life's bitter lessons are not learned in vain
And rightly runs the burden of the song,
" They lightest laugh who knew the touch of tears. "