Life, come to me in no pale guise and ashen, <br />I care not for thee in such placid fashion! <br />I would share widely, Life, <br />In all thy joy and strife, <br />Would sound thy deeps and reach thy highest passion, <br />With thy delight and with thy suffering rife. <br /> <br />Whether I bide with thee in cot or palace, <br />I would drink deeply, Life, of thy great chalice, <br />Even to its bitter lees <br />Yea, shrinking not from these, <br />Since out of bitterness come strength and solace <br />And wisdom is not won in slumberous ease. <br /> <br />Wan peace, uncolored days, were a poor favor; <br />To lack great pain and love were to lack savor. <br />Life, take the heart of me <br />And fill it brimmingly, <br />No matter with what poignant brew or flavor, <br />So that it may not shrunk and empty be. <br /> <br />Yea, Life, thus would I live, nor play at living, <br />The best of me for thy best gladly giving, <br />With an unfaltering cheer, <br />Greeting thee year by year, <br />Even in thy dourest mood some good achieving, <br />Until I read thy deep-hid meaning clear.<br /><br />Lucy Maud Montgomery<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-choice-5/
