It is not dignified to weep For what has been, or what may be; Let me greet life, or endless sleep With certain wry hilarity. But shut those grave, accusing eyes Of serious folk from out my sight, Lest they, with sudden, shocked surprise, Shatter this brittle, brief delight. How can they know, wrung by their tears, Bowing beneath life's lashing rods, That rings forever in my ears The mocking laughter of the gods? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: EUGENE CARMAN by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |