*by Kahlil Gibran* >I would not exchange the sorrows of my heart >For the joys of the multitude. >And I would not have the tears that sadness makes >To flow from my every part turn into laughter. > >I would that my life remain a tear and a smile. > >A tear to purify my heart and give me understanding >Of life's secrets and hidden things. >A smile to draw me nigh to the sons of my kind and >To be a symbol of my glorification of the gods. > >A tear to unite me with those of broken heart; >A smile to be a sign of my joy in existence. > >I would rather that I died in yearning and longing  than that I live weary and despairing. > >I want the hunger for love and beauty to be in the >Depths of my spirit,for I have seen those who are >Satisfied the most wretched of people. >I have heard the sigh of those in yearning and longing, and it is sweeter than the sweetest melody. > >With evening's coming the flower folds her petals >And sleeps, embracing her longing. >At morning's approach she opens her lips to meet >The sun's kiss. > >The life of a flower is longing and fulfilment. >A tear and a smile. > >The waters of the sea become vapor and rise and come >Together and are a cloud. > >And the cloud floats above the hills and valleys >Until it meets the gentle breeze, then falls weeping >To the fields and joins with brooks and rivers to return to the sea, its home. > >The life of clouds is a parting and a meeting. >A tear and a smile. > >And so does the spirit become separated from >The greater spirit to move in the world of matter >And pass as a cloud over the mountain of sorrow >And the plains of joy to meet the breeze of death >And return whence it came. > >To the ocean of Love and Beauty — to God.