Then Laugh Poem by John Hazon Palen

Then Laugh

Rating: 4.5


- Original Composition of Bertha Adams Backus -

Build for yourself a strong box,
Fashion each part with care;
Put all your troubles there;
Hide there all thought of your failures,
And each bitter cup that you quaff;
Lock all your heartaches within it,
Then sit on the lid and laugh.

Tell no one else its contents,
Never its secrets share;
When you've dropped in your care and worry
Keep them forever there;
Hide them from sight so completely
That the world will never dream half;
Fasten the strong box securely -
Then sit on the lid and laugh.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Jane H 13 December 2019

When I was in High School in the late 40's we each had to find a poem that meant something to us. I typed this poem, folded it and kept it in my wallet. Whenever problems arose I would get this paper out and read the poem. It really helped me get through my teenage years. I am now 86 and I still enjoy reading it.

1 0 Reply
Victoria M. 16 December 2019

I'm going through s briefcase of my great grandma's items and I found the same poem folded up and lodged inside

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Grace 01 May 2018

I've had this poem in my Bible since I was a teenager the early 1960's. I loved it so much that I memorized it, including the author's name, Bertha Adams Bakus. I'm curious to know why John Hazon Palen says he wrote the poem. Mr. Palen left out a curtail line in his version. The third line in the poem should read, When it's strong as your hand can make it, . Mr. Palen gives a nod to Miss Bakus but says he wrote it. (?) .

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