Green Green Thread of Hope
a string tied tightly
from one doorknob to the other
across the interior of my room
i have been waiting to see
which door would be opened,
one opens outward, one inward
like the resiliency of the meek
i am holding my breath in suspension
you walk in,
the string snaps
WILLIAM THOMPSON (1712-1766)
THE HAPPY LIFE
A book, a friend, a song, a glass,
A chaste, yet laughter-loving lass,
To mortals various joys impart,
Inform the sense, and warm the heart.
Thrice happy they, who careless laid
Beneath a kind-embowering shade,
With rosy wreaths their temples crown,
In rosy wine their sorrow drown.
Begone, ambition, riches, toys,
And splendid cares, and guilty joys--
Give me a book, a friend, a glass,
And a chaste, laughter-loving lass.