The importance of joy

The mole comes up to see the sun
and I, I am a lot like he.
I’ve lived a life in gloom but none
can bear the darkness constantly.

Hearts must have joy as lungs need air;
a few petals among life’s thorns;
else they, too soon, yield to despair,
brought down by ceaseless scourge and scorn.

From all the Earth, my heart draws strength;
from birds and flowers and gentle things
and stars that shine o’er such great length
they touch me with their twinkling.

And every little joy repairs
the damages cruel hands have done;
like sunlight drying up my tears;
lifting me up; spurring me on.