The Poetry Corner

Cheer

By Robert William Service

It's a mighty good world, so it is, dear lass, When even the worst is said. There's a smile and a tear, a sigh and a cheer, But better be living than dead; A joy and a pain, a loss and a gain; There's honey and may be some gall: Yet still I declare, foul weather or fair, It's a mighty good world after all. For look, lass! at night when I break from the fight, My Kingdom's awaiting for me; There's comfort and rest, and the warmth of your breast, And little ones climbing my knee. There's fire-light and song - Oh, the world may be wrong! Its empires may topple and fall: My home is my care - if gladness be there, It's a mighty good world after all. O heart of pure gold! I have made you a fold, It's sheltered, sun-fondled and warm. O little ones, rest! I have fashioned a nest; Sleep on! you are safe from the storm. For there's no foe like fear, and there's no friend like cheer, And sunshine will flash at our call; So crown Love as King, and let us all sing - "It's a mighty good world after all."