How to Be Cheerful

How to be cheerful, do you say,
When the wind is cold and the skies are grey?
How to be cheerful? Just one way:
Forget yourself for a while today.

Never mind self and your irksome cares.
Somebody else greater burden bears.
Stretch out a helping hand and play
The friend to all who may chance your way.

You’ll never be cheerful sitting there
Sorrowing over the hurts you bear,
For never a joyous hour is known
By the man who thinks of himself alone.

How to be cheerful? Scatter cheer;
Share your life with your neighbours here;
Encourage the weary and comfort the sad
And you’ll find more joy than you’ve ever had.

Edgar A. Guest