Sing low the melody of sweet sorrow;
make it your hymn to the sadness you feel.
Keep it loud and on-going; in order that
when you find its end you will heal.

Your song should be a great one,
to make others envy your voice.
The experience of anguish
in your talents can rejoice.

I know not how to sing for you;
my own song is too weak.
For I am happy in my life,
I know the joy you seek.

If I could sing a song of joy;
it would shame your darkened one.
But as a song of sorrow
my work is just as good as none.

So I shall rest content in my song
and let you write your own.
For we two are too different;
we shall harmonize alone.