Alison A Smith Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Written 5th July, 2026 submission to Thousand Watt Smile sponsored by Miranda Hawley

This is a tribute to a man with Down Syndrome who worked in our local MacDonalds. His job was clearing tables and keeping the place clean. It's probably the cleanest MacDonalds I have ever been in. He also made sure everyone who came in received a greeting and that 1000 watt smile.

1000 watt smile

He made us see the world in a different way,
His smile just opened up each day,
Every sight around created a radiant smile,
He worked with a smile all the while,

The warmth you feel with a baby's first grins,
That's what you feel when his smile begins,
Your child scores; that rush is the feeling he brings
When he greets you, you hear violins.

His look on life is so simple and free,
It enters your heart, everyone would agree,
He meets our gaze and makes it clear,
You’re seen, you matter, you are here.

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Anisha Dutta August 23, 2026 at 9:27 PM EXCELLENT. CONGRATULATIONS ! Alison A Smith August 23, 2026 at 9:49 PM Thank you...

Len Gasun August 23, 2026 at 8:56 AM This is marvelous my dear poet friend Alison. A fave and belated congratulations on your win! Thanks a lot for sharing and your visit on one of my poems. Hugs Alison A Smith August 23, 2026 at 2:19 PM Thank you Len, I do enjoy a 1000 watt smile.

Evelyn Judy Buehler August 22, 2026 at 3:07 PM Love the poem and the picture, Alison. People who spread joy are wonderful to be around. Smiles are contagious. Congratulations on your win. 😄 Alison A Smith August 22, 2026 at 4:22 PM Thank you Evelyn, sure cant beat the soul boost from a 1000 watt smile.😄

Subimal Sinha-Roy August 21, 2026 at 10:00 PM A simple smile is 1000 watts joy Congratulations. Alison A Smith August 21, 2026 at 10:15 PM Thank you - that smile has lived in my ever since the first day I saw it.❤️😀

Michael Ramel August 21, 2026 at 7:40 AM The warmth you must feel with this poem's first place win (I know I borrowed one of your lines). Love the line "You’re seen, you matter, you are here." 👍 Alison A Smith August 21, 2026 at 2:57 PM Appreciate your kind words. I have actually borrowed a line from another poet. It became a beautiful poem on its own.❤️

Krishnanand Guptar August 19, 2026 at 12:23 PM Congratulations Alison on sharing the first place win in this contest with a lovely poem that comes to life with the accompanying notes. Wish you a thousand watt smiling day. Alison A Smith August 19, 2026 at 3:20 PM 1000 watt smiles for you too.😀

Valsa George August 17, 2026 at 10:52 PM Such people are sources of inspiration to others. Despite his serious handicap, he thrives and makes others happy. Congratulations Alison on your first place win. Alison A Smith August 17, 2026 at 11:52 PM Thank you Valsa. Yes we could learn a lot from handicapped people. Maybe in some ways we are the handicapped.❤️

Karen Jones August 17, 2026 at 10:22 PM Back to say congratulations on your win! 🥰 Alison A Smith August 17, 2026 at 10:28 PM Thank you so much Karen❤️

I Am Anaya August 17, 2026 at 9:10 PM He is an 😇, & so are you, for this kind & heartfelt tribute. Congratulations on your high placement, Alison! So deserving 👍 Alison A Smith August 17, 2026 at 9:34 PM Thank you....it was a privilege to tell his story.❤️

Angela Terry July 6, 2026 at 11:51 AM This is a touching homage to your friend. Alison A Smith July 6, 2026 at 2:24 PM Thank you Angela

Joe Maverick July 6, 2026 at 7:53 AM A great write Alison i did a write on autistic people a few years ago now I don't know if i can recall the title though.? Alison A Smith July 6, 2026 at 2:24 PM Thank you Joe for visiting.

Ink Empress July 6, 2026 at 4:15 AM Aww, this made me emotional. It’s beautiful to have such kind and appreciative souls like you in this world, appreciating his work, his smile, and all that he does to serve others in such a professional and generous manner. Sigh… the world needs more hearts that celebrate individual differences, as well as the effort and strength people pour into what they do. It’s a fave of mine. It was a pleasure reading you today. Sending you light, always. Alison A Smith July 6, 2026 at 4:20 AM Thank you Ink Empress, His attitude has stayed with me since I first met him. The last time I saw him many years later though older he was exactly the same.

David Crandall July 5, 2026 at 7:03 PM A heartening poem! Alison A Smith July 5, 2026 at 7:19 PM Thanks David

Joseph P. DiMino July 5, 2026 at 1:01 PM "The warmth you feel with a baby's first grins," -- Love that! If for a contest, this is surely a contender. Best of luck. Alison A Smith July 5, 2026 at 7:19 PM Tha k you Joe

Sotto Poet July 5, 2026 at 7:34 AM Fantastic piece, Alison! Truly remarkable; their honesty and purity are obvious:

Joanna Daniel July 5, 2026 at 6:44 AM Really wonderful, they are really sincere and innocent:) Alison A Smith July 5, 2026 at 7:18 PM Yes they truly are.

Andrea Dietrich July 4, 2026 at 11:35 PM I have known some special needs people like this. They are precious to the Lord. I can easily see that . Great entry for the contest Alison A Smith July 4, 2026 at 11:53 PM Thank you Andrea.

Karen Jones July 4, 2026 at 11:15 PM A nice tribute! I too wrote for this contest about a toddler with Downs Syndrome. In my experience they are friendly people with a courage like no other. Alison A Smith July 4, 2026 at 11:31 PM I totally agree

Paige Hind July 4, 2026 at 11:04 PM sweet, this is so adorable!! <3 Alison A Smith July 4, 2026 at 11:10 PM Thank you Paige, I was going to go all deep and meaningful. However this beautiful individual taught me that simple is better. <3

Gershon Wolf July 4, 2026 at 10:57 PM Amen. .... I know several people with Downs, and they are so loving and lovable. Great write, Alison! Also, you have soup mail. ~ gw Alison A Smith July 4, 2026 at 11:09 PM Thanks Gershon, mail read and acted on. Yes a have met quite a few from baby to quite old. I have only found love and a deep sense of joy when around them.

Paige Hind July 4, 2026 at 10:22 PM aww what a nice picture, have fun!! <3 Paige Hind July 4, 2026 at 11:04 PM Okay :) Alison A Smith July 4, 2026 at 10:38 PM Poem is up now

Andrea Dietrich July 4, 2026 at 10:22 PM Okey dokey! Alison A Smith July 4, 2026 at 10:38 PM Poem is now complete