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Laughter and Tears
Life is filled with both laughter and tears. We naturally prefer the happy times, but sorrow is also part of life's journey. In her poem Laughter and Tears, Wilhelmina Stitch reflects on both emotions and reminds us that each has a place in our lives.
Tears are sometimes exactly what we need. During times of sadness, disappointment, or grief, crying can give us a way to express feelings that are difficult to put into words. Rather than keeping everything bottled up inside, tears can help us release some of the pain we are carrying.
Yet sadness is not where we want to remain forever. There comes a time when we begin moving forward again and allow happiness and laughter back into our lives. The same is true of laughter. Life cannot always be taken lightly, and there are times when we need to be serious, reflect on our choices, and face difficult situations.
Perhaps that is why laughter and tears belong together. One expresses our joy while the other gives voice to our sorrow. As Stitch writes, "God made tears and laughter, too; Precious gifts, His twofold plan." Her words remind us that there is no shame in shedding tears. With time, healing can begin, and laughter can return.
Updated September 19, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
Laughter and Tears
Poet: Wilhelmina Stitch
Laughter shook his locks of gold,
shook his golden locks and cried,
"What are these I now behold!"
"Tears," the voice of sorrow sighed.
"Tears," said laughter with a trill,
with a trill like blackbird's song,
"They, indeed, are very ill,
they must go where they belong.
Fie upon you! Shame!
O tears, run away and join dead years."
Laughter, with your locks of gold,
be not arrogant and vain.
Have you never once been told,
Tears can heal a bitter pain?
Tears prevent a grim despair
Settling on the aching heart;
They can wash away a care;
Play a most important part.
God made tears and laughter, too;
Precious gifts, His twofold plan.
Tears refresh, like rain and dew,
The parched and anguished soul of man.
Laughter tossed his golden hair,
"I am here. Grey tears, beware!"
Key Reflections In This Poem
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Both Laughter And Tears Have A Place
Life brings moments of happiness as well as times of sadness. The poem reminds us that both emotions are natural parts of being human and neither needs to be denied.
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Tears Can Help Release Pain
Stitch presents tears as something helpful rather than something to be ashamed of. Expressing sorrow can bring relief when our hearts are carrying pain or grief.
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Sadness Does Not Have To Last Forever
Tears may be needed for a time, but they do not have to define every day that follows. Healing can slowly make room for happiness and laughter to return.
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Laughter Brings Its Own Gift
Laughter can brighten difficult days and remind us that joy is still possible. Even after sorrow, there can be moments that make us smile again.
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God Gave Us Both
The poem describes tears and laughter as precious gifts within God's plan. Each allows us to express what is happening within our hearts during the different seasons of life.
Popular Pages
Continue with these pages about laughter, happiness, and finding reasons to smile through life's changing moments.
Enjoy Laughing, a poem that celebrates the cheerful sound of laughter and the happiness it can bring to those around us.
Find more reasons to celebrate life's joyful moments with these Poems About Happiness that reflect on the simple pleasures and experiences that bring happiness to our lives.
Conclusion
Laughter and Tears reminds us that life does not give us only one emotion. There will be days filled with happiness and others when sadness brings tears. We do not have to pretend that difficult feelings are not there. Sometimes allowing ourselves to cry is part of working through what hurts.
But tears are not the end of the story. In time, sorrow can become lighter and laughter can find its way back into our lives. May we accept both with understanding, remembering Stitch's message that tears and laughter each have a purpose and both are precious gifts from God.
More Wilhelmina Stitch Poems to Inspire