How Can I Keep from Singing?

How Can I Keep From Singing?
Copyright 2012 Addie Hirschten
Oil on Canvas
16" x 20"
Prints available on Fine Art America

My life flows on in endless song above earth's lamentation.

I hear the real though far off hymn that hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing.

It sounds an echo in my soul.

How can I keep from singing.

No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I'm clinging.

Since love prevails in heaven and earth,

how can I keep from singing.

-Early Quaker Song

Awhile back I sang this song for my daughter as she was going to sleep.  We have a lullaby ritual.  I got all into it and was feeling very emotional.  Then I ended the song.  She sat up in bed and said, "How can I keep from barfing?  hahahahahhaaaa!"

funny.

How can I keep from laughing?

Incidentally- I finished this painting, took the photo of it- then decided that I wanted to rework the face. Here you have a rare glimpse of the painting, How Can I Keep from Singing, before it was finished.