When laughter turns its back on me

When laughter turns its back on me
Where shall I seek the sunlit smile?
When I am unwelcome to glee
Where shall my pained heart rest awhile?

When food in my mouth turns to ash
When water fails to quench my thirst
Consumed by anguish deep and rash
Which darkened pool should I go first?

When hope is strangled by despair
And gladness stabbed by agony
I blindly grope at love and care
To lend their guiding hand to me

My eyes are shut and all is night
And Time eclipses every star
Why then the song of sunbirds bright
I capture gladly from afar?

Hope always fights, and gladness lives
Though misery is crude and vile
Strong Resilience courage gives
And somewhere deep I hear my smile