Joy

My heart is like a little bird
 That sits and sings for very gladness.
Sorrow is some forgotten word,
 And so, except in rhyme, is sadness.

The world is very fair to me –
 Such azure skies, such golden weather,
I’m like a long caged bird set free,
 My heart is lighter than a feather.

I rise rejoicing in my life;
 I live with love of God and neighbour;
My days flow on unmarred by strife,
 And sweetened by my pleasant labour.

O youth! O spring! O happy days,
 Ye are so passing sweet, and tender,
And while the fleeting season stays,
 I revel care-free, in its splendour.