Paradox

By Jacqueline Jackson

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Paradox

Holidays are portrayed as times of
rejoicing but as we all come to know
they are often fraught with grief. It
seems appropriate to share this poem
again (I used it in 2014) at this anxious
season. It was written by my mother in
1925; I have it in a booklet, Mirrors,
that she printed for my father, family,
and friends, before I was born.

If you desire happiness,
Purchase it with tears;
The kind one buys with laughter
Lasts not many years.

Give away all that is yours,
And rich indeed you’ll be.
What you love best, only keep
Within your memory.

If you wish to welcome Love,
Prepare for more than one;
Pain with love comes hand in hand
And stays when Love is gone.

If you would hold a treasure dear,
It may be well to know
A thing is never truly yours
Till you can let it go.

©2017 Jacqueline Jackson

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