Said she, 'I will not live with grief from morrow unto morrow. <br />My heart cries out for some relief, Good-bye, my little sorrow.' <br />She closed the windows of her home and pulled down every blind. <br />'I'm going forth, ' she cried, 'to roam. You, Grief, can stay behind.' <br />'And I'll be gone the livelong day, expect me back to-night.' <br />Grief wanly watched her go away into the warmth and light; <br />with quickened step and brightened eyes she mingled with the throng. <br />Instead of pale Grief's moans and sighs she heard Endeavour's song. <br />She saw a sister, crossed the road and asked her how she fared: <br />then helped to lift her heavy load and in the burden shared. <br />Throughout the day Self was suppressed whilst Service took its place. <br />When she returned at night to rest - of Grief there was no trace! <br />But Joy stepped forth and sweetly said, <br />'May I now be your friend instead? '<br /><br />Wilhelmina Stitch<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/then-joy-stepped-in/
