Poise

I was awaked from troubled sleep Of dreams most disconcerting; My mood was mean and querulous, And thoughts were controverting.

Through latent dream-thought came a song, With gayness effervescing; I could but wonder how bird sang When all was so depressing,

For rain had fallen through the night, And the leaden dawn was chill; Though poorly housed, he shook himself, Continuing joyous trill.

He, exposed to the elements, And I, warmly housed and dry; For shame on me to let a lark, Show a greater poise than I.