HUMOR dwells with sanity,
Truth and common sense.
Humor is humanity,
Sympathy intense.
Humor always laughs with you,
Never at you; she
Loves the fun that 's sweet and true,
And of malice free;
Paints the picture of the fad,
Folly of the day,
As it is, the good and bad,
In a kindly way.
There behind her smiling mien,
In her twinkling eyes,
Purpose true is ever seen,
Seriousness lies.
Hers the tender mother's touch
Easing all distress;
Teaching, e'en though smiling much;
Moulding with caress.
JOHN KENDRICK BANGS
(1862-1922)
