Laughter and grief join hands. Always the heart Clumps in the breast … — Karl Shapiro

Laughter and grief join hands. Always the heart Clumps in the breast with heavy stride; The face grows lined and wrinkled like a chart, The eyes bloodshot with tears and tide. Let the wind blow, for many a man shall die.

Karl ShapiroPoet · American · 1913 – 2000

More from Karl Shapiro

While the eyes of the world will be on us let's show everyone that we have a great sense of humour. — Yahoo Serious
We sometimes laugh from ear to ear, but it would be impossible for a smile to be wider than the distance between our eyes. — Malcolm De Chazal
But what if I fail of my purpose here? It is but to keep the nerves at strain, to dry one's eyes and laugh at a fall, and baffled, get up and begin again. — Robert Browning
Poetry is innocent, not wise. It does not learn from experience, because each poetic experience is unique. — Karl Shapiro
The body, what is it, Father, but a sign To love the force that grows us, to give back What in Thy palm is senselessness and mud? — Karl Shapiro
But with exquisite breathing you smile, with satisfaction of love, And I touch you again as you tick in the silence and settle in sleep. — Karl Shapiro