Losses and Gains

Life's losses seemed to loom immense. There was a gloom descending on my days. I looked for love but found little of it around but much indifference. My sense of humor failed. The letters that I mailed grew fatter, duller - and when the mail didn't bring a single worthwhile thing I fumed and fretted.

I had forgotten praise and gratitude for days sun-saturated. I had forgotten joy - neglected to employ my single talent.

At last I chased the gloom with joy's bright golden broom and swept away ingratitude's webbed dust - then rubbed away the rust from loving's lock.