THEN LAUGH

By: Bertha Adam Backus

Build yourself a strongbox

   Fashion each part with care;

When it's strong as your hand can make it,

   Put all your troubles there.

Hide there all thoughts of your failures

   And each bitter cup that you quaff;

Look all your heartaches within it.

   Then sit on the lid and laugh.

Tell no one else its contents,

   Never its secret share

When you've dropped in your care

   and your worry,

   Keep them forever there

.

Hide them from sight so completely

   That the world never dream half;

Fasten the strongbox securely

   Then sit on the lid and laugh.