Smiles

Smiles bring out the latent energies within us, as water reveals the bright colors in the stone it flows over.

  Smile a little, smile a little,
    As you go along,
  Not alone when life is pleasant,
    But when things go wrong.
  Care delights to see you frowning,
    Loves to hear you sigh;
  Turn a smiling face upon her,
    Quick the dame will fly.

  Smile a little, smile a little,
    All along the road;
  Every life must have its burden,
    Every heart its load.
  Why sit down in gloom and darkness,
    With your grief to sup?
  As you drink Fate's bitter tonic
    Smile across the cup.

  Smile upon the troubled pilgrims
    Whom you pass and meet;
  Frowns are thorns, and smiles are blossoms
    Oft for weary feet.
  Do not make the way seem harder
    By a sullen face,
  Smile a little, smile a little,
    Brighten up the place.

  Smile upon your undone labor;
    Not for one who grieves
  O'er his task, waits wealth or glory;
    He who smiles achieves.
  Though you meet with loss and sorrow
    In the passing years,
  Smile a little, smile a little,
    Even through your tears.

                by Ella Wheeler Wilcox