Be Not Sad by James Joyce

Be not sad because all men
Prefer a lying clamour before you:
Sweetheart, be at peace again — –
Can they dishonour you?

They are sadder than all tears;
Their lives ascend as a continual sigh.
Proudly answer to their tears:
As they deny, deny.

I came across this poem while doing a research paper over Ireland in high school. I’ve loved it ever since.

(And yes, I picked my own topic…I have a slight obsession with the country. But that’s okay since I’m at least a quarter Irish, right?)