Build for yourself a strong box,
fashion each part with care;
when it's strong as your hand can make it,
put all your troubles here;
hide there all thoughts 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 it's contents,
never it's 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!
by Bertha Adams Backus
