SUNNY DAYS WILL COME AGAIN.
Though to-day be dark and dreary,
And black clouds around us rise,
Let us halt not, nor be weary,
Light is looming in the skies/
Aid and cheer each fellow creature
‘Gainst the storms that round us lour;
Soon they’ll wear a brighter feature,
And the sunshine come with pow’r.
Never, boys, give way to sorrow,
But be up and act like men;
Look with hope for joy to-morrow,
Sunny days will come again.
Let us throw aside all sadness,
Better times are on the wing;
Who can tell what joy and gladness
Providence to us may bring?
Never, then, every manly feeling,
And with courage meet the storm;
Let us wounded hearts be healing,
And our duty still perform.
Never, boys, &c.
We should not be always sighing,
Nor indulge in wild dismay;
Bear in mind “old Time” is flying,
Therefore wisdom more display.
If our prospects be not shining,
And our hearts be bowed with care,
Where’s the good in our repining
Still look up – and ne’er despair.
Never, boys, &c.
E.R.
Title:Sunny Days Will Come Again
Author:E. R.
Publication:Rochdale Pilot
Published in:Rochdale
Date:31/1/63
Commentary
Published at the height of the Lancashire Cotton Famine, in the dreadful winter of 1862-63, this poem urges its readers to have faith that times will change and that current miseries will end. The poem is secular in its message but appeals to the masculinity of the ‘boys’ it addresses, urging them to ‘be up and act like men’. – SR