I would not exchange the sorrows of my heart <br />For the joys of the multitude. <br />And I would not have the tears that sadness makes <br />To flow from my every part turn into laughter. <br /> <br />I would that my life remain a tear and a smile. <br /> <br />A tear to purify my heart and give me understanding <br />Of life's secrets and hidden things. <br />A smile to draw me nigh to the sons of my kind and <br />To be a symbol of my glorification of the gods. <br /> <br />A tear to unite me with those of broken heart; <br />A smile to be a sign of my joy in existence. <br /> <br />I would rather that I died in yearning and longing than that I live Weary and despairing. <br /> <br />I want the hunger for love and beauty to be in the <br />Depths of my spirit,for I have seen those who are <br />Satisfied the most wretched of people. <br />I have heard the sigh of those in yearning and Longing, and it is sweeter than the sweetest melody. <br /> <br />With evening's coming the flower folds her petals <br />And sleeps, embracingher longing. <br />At morning's approach she opens her lips to meet <br />The sun's kiss. <br /> <br />The life of a flower is longing and fulfilment. <br />A tear and a smile. <br /> <br />The waters of the sea become vapor and rise and come <br />Together and area cloud. <br /> <br />And the cloud floats above the hills and valleys <br />Until it meets the gentle breeze, then falls weeping <br />To the fields and joins with brooks and rivers to Return to the sea, its home. <br /> <br />The life of clouds is a parting and a meeting. <br />A tear and a smile. <br /> <br />And so does the spirit become separated from <br />The greater spirit to move in the world of matter <br />And pass as a cloud over the mountain of sorrow <br />And the plains of joy to meet the breeze of death <br />And return whence it came. <br /> <br />To the ocean of Love and Beauty----to God.<br /><br />Khalil Gibran<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-tear-and-a-smile-3/
