Joy & Sorrow

From "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran

Then a woman said, "Speak to us of joy and
Sorrow."

And he answered:

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.

And the selfsame well from which your
laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being,
the more joy you can contain.

Is it not the cup that holds your wine the very
cup that was burned in the potter's oven?

And is it not the lute that soothes your spirit the
very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart
And you shall find it is only that which has given
you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When you are sorrowful, look again in your
heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weep-
ing for that which has been your delight.

Some of you say, "Joy is greater than sorrow,"
and others say, "Nay, sorrow is greater."

But I say unto you, they are inseparable.

Together they come, and when one sits alone
with you at your board, remember that the other
is asleep upon your bed.


The book, "The Prophet", was written eighty years ago as an expression of man's spiritual desires. If you have not read it, it is highly recommended reading.


See you when I see you
Baron