The Mystery Of Humor

The Mystery of Humor
Washington Star
1227

When on the pave you chance to fall,
With utter lack of grace,
And turn your ankle as you sprawl,
And, maybe, bruise your face,
When angry tears spring in your eye
And you are mad as sin,
Oh, why does every passer-by
Behold you with a grin?

When foolish wagers you have paid
With natural regret,
When resolutions boldly made
All weakly you forget,
When plans go wrong and you are broke When you had hoped to win-
In pity’s name, where is the joke,
And why do people grin?