Notes About The Poem

Smile and Know it

Isabel was the youngest of four children, dwelling in a large old house, Nestled under the burgeoning oak trees, in green spring, of no doubts. Isabel's parents were devout churchgoers, insisting upon going weekly; But, Isabel often preferred playing, like dawn, pink sun, shining meekly. Theirs was a tight knit community, the kind everyone wants to live in; Like orange butterflies, calling on red flowers, of golden days in a spin. Isabel and funny friends flew blue kites, under floating clouds of fluff, On finer days, foreseeing furious storm, betwixt yoyo's, bikes and stuff! Fleeting faddish colors flitted summer gardens, as bug eyed frogs leapt, On flighty days of family visits, and gloss sunshine, where the ages slept. Isabel lived in the house of now and then, like a rare eclipse of wonder; Or the burgundy roses of seldom, evoking the green spell we are under. Scented sincerity wafted from still blooms, on the street of sunny views. There Isabel's family lived sparkly lives, like yellow stars, in sweet youth. Nice music came from treetop nests, in shady niches where it was born; When nonchalant neighbors came casual, and geese honked their horn. 'Pink powder puff' flowers applied talcum, as 'rattlesnake calathea' hissed; And 'purple daydream' dozed away, its fragrance and beauty, very noticed! 'Weeping blue wisteria' was melancholy, although sun was shining orange; And 'blue waterfall' bellflowers cascaded, like a couple, taking the plunge. Sunday came and Isabel was pouting, as she would be in church for hours! And she wore a long face to Sunday school, like dissent among the flowers. But, Sunday school was so much fun, and she had forgotten it was Easter; And the Lord's face was smiling down, and her unhappiness, released her! They all had a snack and played a fun game, singing and clapping along; For every warm heart is happiest, midst melodious voices, raised in song! 'If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands. If you're happy and you know it, Then your face will surely show it, If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands.'
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Hind Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Isabel's memoirs are sweet. This made me smile - <3
Buehler Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 10:59 PM
I'm glad, Paige. Thank you. :)
Goldsmith Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 9:16 AM
What a great write and picture. Love This One.... Yes, smile and clap your hands. Have a great day writing away..............
Buehler Avatar
May 14, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Deepest thanks, Paula. I'm so glad you enjoyed this latest tale. :)
Andresen Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 6:10 AM
- I remember Sunday school it was "a bit of fun" ... I was like Isabel ... didn't have time for church ... it was too serious and boring ... lovely story, Evelyn :) - hugs
Buehler Avatar
May 13, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Children can have short attention spans. I know I did at one time. Thank you for your fine compliment. :) hugs
Godwin Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 10:26 AM
Oh, sang that song often in childhood and have sung it occasionally lifelong. Then there's, I've got something in my pocket ... Know that Brownie song? My brain is failing me right now, I can't remember the next line, but we all know it's a great big Brownie smile ... CayCay
Buehler Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 7:48 PM
I'm glad that this poem brings happy memories to mind, CayCay. I am unfamiliar with the Brownie song, but I looked it up, and I find it charming! Imagine carrying a smile around in your pocket! Have a nice evening. :)
Godwin Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Once more a story composed of engaging word painted imagery. Your character, landscape and other details are always entertaining to me, they delight me. I'm a nosy voyeur spying on characters, landscapes and, again, other, thru your pen. You paint pictures in my mind, and I have always loved reading stories that do that. I went to RhymeZone to search near rhymes for orange (curious). There really aren't any. CayCay
Buehler Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 7:42 PM
It's very gratifying to read your treasured remarks, CayCay. Thank you for expressing your enjoyment of this tale. You are right-there are no rhymes for orange. It took me a long time to discover this. One site offered door hinge as a rhyme, but that doesn't really rhyme either, and who writes poems about door hinges anyway (Lol)? Best of wishes.
Greenhough Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 7:15 AM
I love this charming anecdote and the rhythmic music at the end. A verse of happiness brings sunshine to the day.
Buehler Avatar
May 12, 2025 at 7:25 PM
This is wonderful news, Hilda! Thank you for your delightful remarks. :)
Rodrigues Avatar
May 10, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Nestled under the burgeoning oak trees, in green spring, of no doubts… Isabel lived in the house of now and then… When nonchalant neighbors came casual, and geese honked their horn. Sounds like my 10 year old grandson wanting to stay home…made excuses…yet loved and was loved in church and came home singing “He is worthy…He is worthy…” God is so good and your poetry is always lovely and observant!
Buehler Avatar
May 10, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Thank you for your kind words, dear Kim. I'm so glad you enjoyed the imagery. I had a hard time focusing in school as a six year old, because my cousins' families moved into our apartment building, and I couldn't wait for school to let out, so I could play with them! But, I learned my 'lesson,' with the help of a wonderful teacher, and I loved school after that! Best wishes. :)
Empress Avatar
May 10, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Ah this was one of my sons fave nursery rhymes, reminds me of his childhood! Very well written as always with such descriptive wordplay to paint such vivid imagery! I love the flow of your lines and how well youv delivered your poem too! Pleasure reading you today! Sending you light always
Buehler Avatar
May 10, 2025 at 10:32 PM
I am so happy that this poem brings back happy memories for you! Thank you for your heartwarming, kind expressions. Many blessings.
Buhagiar Avatar
May 10, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Isabel must learn to love going to church on Sunday. Don't know why it takes so long. In my chapel it takes only 50 minutes. Still, a lovely poem as usual.
Buehler Avatar
May 10, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, Victor. Considering her very young age and innocence, I think Isabel is doing quite well, especially considering that some people never learn to love going to church. Very best wishes
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