JOY stayed with me a night—
Young and free and fair—
And in the morning light
He left me there.
Then Sorrow came to stay,
And lay upon my breast;
He walked with me in the day,
And knew me best.
I’ll never be a bride,
Nor yet celibate,
So I’m living now with Pride—
A cold bedmate.
He must not hear nor see,
Nor could he forgive
That Sorrow still visits me
Each day I live.
From Enough Rope (Boni & Liveright, 1926) by Dorothy Parker. This poem is in the public domain.