Courage

Because my joy is less than joy,
My sorrow more than pain,
I mock the grief that begs for tears
With laughter and disdain.

I hold the sunlight in my hands
And hurl it to destroy,
Because my pain is more than pain,
My laughter less than joy.

When I was young with happiness
I played at being sad,
The tears I used to mock my joy
Were all the grief I had.

I do not play at sorrow now,
Nor shall I weep again -
But I shall smile with less than joy,
And laugh with more than pain.