Ah tell me not that memory sheds gladness over the past; what is recalled by faded flowers save that they did not last? – Letitia Elizabeth Landon

A feeling of sadness and longing that is not akin to pain, and resembles sorrow only as the mist resembles the rain. – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

may my heart always be open to little
birds who are the secrets of living
whatever they sing is better than to know
and if men should not hear them men are old

may my mind stroll about hungry
and fearless and thirsty and supple
and even if it – e. e. (Edward Estlin) cummings