Famous Poems about Smiles: Celebrating the Joy of Expression

Smiles are universally cherished expressions of joy, warmth, and happiness. They have the power to brighten our spirits, connect hearts, and uplift souls. Throughout the ages, poets have captured the essence of smiles in their verses, painting vivid images of the happiness they bring. Here, we explore some famous poems that beautifully celebrate the magic of smiles.

"A Smile" by Langston Hughes

A smile is quite a funny thing,
It wrinkles up your face,
And when it's gone, you never find
Its secret hiding place.
But far more wonderful it is
To see what smiles can do:
You smile at one, he smiles at you,
And so one smile makes two.
He smiles at someone, since you smiled,
And then that one smiles back,
And that one smiles until, in truth,
You fail in keeping track.
And since a smile can do great good
By cheering hearts of care,
Let's smile and not forget the fact
That smiles go everywhere!

This delightful poem by Langston Hughes whimsically portrays the contagious nature of smiles. It reminds us of the simple yet profound impact a smile can have, spreading joy from one person to another.

"Smile" by Paul Laurence Dunbar

Smile a little, smile a little,
As you go along,
Not alone when life is pleasant,
But when things go wrong.

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.

Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem, "Smile," serves as a gentle reminder to wear a smile even during life's challenges. It encourages us to find strength and resilience in the face of adversity and to spread positivity to those we encounter along our journey.

"The Smile" by William Blake

There is a smile of love,
And there is a smile of deceit,
And there is a smile of smiles
In which these two smiles meet.

And there is a frown of hate,
And there is a frown of disdain,
And there is a frown of frowns
Which you strive to forget in vain,

For it sticks in the heart's deep core,
And it sticks in the deep back bone,
And no smile that ever was smil'd,
But only one smile alone,

That betwixt the cradle and grave
It only once smil'd can be;
But when it once is smil'd,
There's an end to all misery.

In this thought-provoking poem by William Blake, titled "The Smile," the poet explores the various shades and meanings of smiles. It delves into the complexities of human emotions, contrasting genuine smiles of love with deceptive ones. The poem suggests that it is only through authentic smiles that we can find true happiness and liberation from misery.

"Smile, Smile, Smile" by Wilfred Owen

Head to limp head, the sunk-eyed wounded scanned
Yesterday's Mail; the casualties (typed small)
And (large) Vast Booty from our Latest Haul.
Also, they read of Cheap Homes, not yet planned;
For, said the paper, "When this war is done
The men's first instinct will be making homes.
Meanwhile their foremost need is aerodromes,
It being certain war has just begun.
Peace would do wrong to our undying dead,—
The sons we offered might regret they died
If we got nothing lasting in their stead.
We must be solidly indemnified.
Though all be worthy Victory which all bought,
We rulers sitting in this ancient spot
Would wrong our very selves if we forgot
The greatest glory will be theirs who fought,
Who kept this nation in integrity."

Wilfred Owen, known for his poignant war poetry, wrote "Smile, Smile, Smile" to expose the irony and disillusionment of war. In this powerful poem, the title itself carries a bitter undertone. It challenges the notion of smiling amidst the horrors of battle, shedding light on the facade of cheerful propaganda.

These famous poems celebrate the beauty of smiles, exploring their power to bring joy, resilience, and authenticity. They remind us of the importance of sharing our smiles with the world, spreading happiness and warmth wherever we go. So, put on a smile, for it is a gift that can brighten someone's day and make the world a better place.