Not credulous, yet active in belief
That good is better than the worst is bad;
A generous courage mirrored in the glad
Challenging eyes, that gentle oft with grief
For honest woe--while lurking like a thief,
Peering around the corners, humor creeps,
Into the gravest matters pries and peeps,
Till grimmest face relaxes with relief;
A heart beloved of the wiser gods
Grown weary of solemnity prolonged--
That snatches scraps of gladness while Fate nods,
Varying life's prose with stories many-songed:
One who has faced the dark and naught denied--
Yet lives persistent on the brightest side.