Falling upon the frozen world last night, <br />I heard the slow beat of the Winter rain- <br />Poor foolish drops, down-dripping all in vain; <br />The ice-bound Earth but mocked their puny might, <br />Far better had the fixedness of white <br />And uncomplaining snows-which make no sign, <br />But coldly smile, when pitying moonbeams shine- <br />Concealed its sorrow from all human sight. <br />Long, long ago, in blurred and burdened years, <br />I learned the uselessness of uttered woe. <br />Though sinewy Fate deals her most skilful blow, <br />I do not waste the gall now of my tears, <br />But feed my pride upon its bitter, while <br />I look straight in the world's bold eyes, and smile.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/winter-rain-6/
