The first episode of my new podcast, Honey In My Hair! In this episode, we will be exploring “Solitude” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, published 1883.

Solitude

Laugh, and the world laughs with you;

Weep, and you weep alone;

For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth,

But has trouble enough of its own.

Sing, and the hills will answer;

Sigh, it is lost on the air;

The echoes bound to a joyful sound,

But shrink from voicing care.

Rejoice, and men will seek you;

Grieve, and they turn and go;

They want full measure of all your pleasure,

But they do not need your woe.

Be glad, and your friends are many;

Be sad, and you lose them all,—

There are none to decline your nectared wine,

But alone you must drink life’s gall.

Feast, and your halls are crowded;

Fast, and the world goes by.

Succeed and give, and it helps you live,

But no man can help you die.

There is room in the halls of pleasure

For a large and lordly train,

But one by one we must all file on

Through the narrow aisles of pain.

Sources

• Ella Wheeler Wilcox biography and Wikipedia page
• Johnstown, WI
• “Solitude” backstory

Credits!

My cover art was crafted by the lovely Maggie McKenna.

My theme music was composed by the amazing Alex Niederberger.

Special thanks to Ella Wheeler Wilcox for your lovely words, wherever in the afterlife you may be.

Social Media

You can find Honey In My Hair on

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoneyInMyHair
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/honeyinmyhair
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeyinmyhairpoetry
• Email: honeyinmyhair@gmail.com

Next Episode:

Sunday, June 29th, 2018.