The painful joy

If asked to choose between
The tears and sorrows, or
The smiles and joys,
That has journeyed my life;
I would always go for the sorrowful tears.

The loyal friend that,
Stayed with me throughout,
That unveiled my follies;
And cautiously held on to keep me from falling.

The astute guide that,
Showed me the friends,
Gave away the foes,
And, artfully trod me away from sham.

The elegant master that,
Paraphrased my life,
Highlighted the truth,
And gracefully bestowed the faith to move on.

The painful joy that,
Brought in my love,
Held it sternly away from life,
Yet, sheltered faithfully in my heart.