Edna St. Vincent Millay — The Penitent

I had a little Sorrow,          Born of a little Sin, I found a room all damp with gloom          And shut us all within; And, "Little Sorrow, weep," said I,          "And, Little Sin, pray God to die, And I upon the floor will lie          And think how bad I've been!" Alas for pious planning—          It mattered not a whit! As far as gloom went in that room,          The lamp might have been lit! My little Sorrow would not weep,          My little Sin would go to sleep— To save my soul I could not keep          My graceless mind on it! So up I got in anger,          And took a book I had, And put a ribbon on my hair          To please a passing lad, And, "One thing there's no getting by— I've been a wicked girl," said I; "But if I can't be sorry, why,          I might as well be glad!"