still on hiatus, but composed a poem anyway
Death Holds an Hourglass
Being from the sudden joy somewhat temporarily deranged
we sought company and indulged in fun and hilarity.
I am now the most cheerful man living.
If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family
there would be but one cheerful face on the earth.
Everyone comes in its precise shape or color,
these principles being an eternal antagonism
when brought into collision so fierce;
shocks and throes,
and convulsion must ceaseless follow.
My pace was slow and heavy, and my face gleaming
like a tired child, I threw myself upon a sofa
shading my eyes with my hands.
Our joys will be sanctified and made a blessing to our selves
and by and by
we shall have occasion to say with blended gratitude and rejoicing:
It is good for us to have been so afflicted.