Complainings

by Julia Carter Aldrich — a poem card from Justes Mots

The poet catalogs life's disappointments—envied gifts tarnished, blighted fruit, precious metals mixed with alloy—before recognizing that hardship itself strengthens the soul and spurs achievement. Suffering and apparent setbacks are reframed as disguised blessings that develop character and direct vision toward higher pursuits. This redemptive poem comforts those struggling with adversity by affirming failure's hidden purpose.

Never a dove came to nestle by me,
But green-eyed Envy was there to see—
Soiling its plumage of spotless white,
Making it vile as a raven of night.
Never a rose in my garden was born,
But was surrounded by many a thorn.

Never a sweet but was mingled with gall—…

Themes: birthday · friendship · encouragement · reflection