What is the poem that ends "why don't you laugh?"?

Question

There is a poem about a mother, possibly a West Indian who has emigrated to England, telling her son how wonderful everything is, but the son is very unhappy. Each verse ends with the line "Why dont you laugh?" I cant remember any more - does anyone know it?

Answer 1

I had never heard of this poem until reading your question. It's good. Thanks!

Why Don't You Laugh?

"Why don't you laugh, young man, when troubles come,
Instead of sitting 'round so sour and glum?
You cannot have all play, And Sunshine every day;
When troubles come, I say, why don't you laugh?

"Why don't you laugh? 'T will never help to soothe
The aches and pains. No road in life is smooth;
There's many an unseen bump, And many a hidden stump
O'er which you'll have to jump. Why don't you laugh?

"Why don't you laugh? Don't let your spirits wilt;
Don't sit and cry because the milk you've spilt;
If you would mend it now, Prey let me tell you how:
Just milk another cow! Why don't you laugh?

"Why don't you laugh, and make us all laugh, too,
And keep us mortals all from getting blue?
A laugh will always win; If you can't laugh, just grin,-
Come on, let's all join in! Why don't you laugh?"