Paid In Advance

What is the cost of a day in Spring-- A wind-swept, rain-washed golden day? A day that with joy is bubbling-- And dancing adown a world mad-gay?

You've paid for that day with days gone by-- The gloomy days and the days of rain; The days that you'd like to forget--and try-- Days that were tuned to a note of pain.

Others there are who will never forget The lowering clouds and the sodden world, But--though you paid as they paid, eyes wet-- Your banner of courage was still unfurled!

That was the price of this day in June, Paid in advance with a shrug and a smile-- While others complained, you heard a tune, Making the gloomiest day worth while!