Dora Sigerson Shorter

Clouds

Laughter and song for my cheer,
Life is so fair.
None so happy as I
Anywhere;
Birds in the woods carol clear,
White clouds in the sky.
Song silent and brow with a frown,
Why is this so?
Guiltless am I
Would you know,
The lark from the heavens drops down;
Grey clouds in the sky.
Sighing and tears for my sorrow,
Life is so drear,
None so weary as I,
'Tis a mere
Waste of love, and a wish for to-morrow—
Black night in the sky.