Smiles

Others oft get impressions of us by the way
We use facial expressions to feelings convey.
Most important of these to attract and beguile
Is the easy, reliable, versatile smile.

There are smiles that are sheepish or silly or sly
Or are knowing or fiendish or roguish or wry.
With our smiles we calm children and lessen their fear;
And we flash them if something is witty we hear.

People smile to emotions or motives disguise,
And they smile when they greet and old friends recognize.
There are wholehearted smiles that add sparkle to eyes,
And we glow when awarded an honor or prize.

Smiles despair can expel and extinguish a feud.
They rejoice and encourage and brighten one's mood,
When you're nervous, a smile can the tension relieve,
But both swindlers and traitors use smiles to deceive.

Smiles can hide our discomfort or foes irritate,
While a smile at the wrong time can troubles create.
And though smiles can disarm and befriend, as a rule,
One who always is smiling may look like a fool.

Smiles are signs we forgive and that we understand,
And we beam when a scheme goes exactly as planned.
Smiles are worn by performers when taking a bow,
And because this finished, I'm smiling right now.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

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Romios Avatar
April 1, 2023 at 10:07 AM
Smiles cost nothing and be shared. Panagiota
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 4:31 AM
Thank you. Your observation that smiles are free is one that I wish I had included in the poem.
Warlov Avatar
March 31, 2023 at 2:24 AM
What degree of subtlety is imputed when we are instructed that a thing is 'nothing to smile about' or the warning of loss if we refuse to smile 'though our hearts are breaking' ~ personally, I have bad teeth so my smile might convey some mis-communication but I'll keep watching-out for you. You may have missed one. ; )
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 4:25 AM
Thank you very much. I wish I had thought of "nothing to smile about" when writing so that I could include it.
Ray Avatar
March 28, 2023 at 9:32 PM
i believe Anas about says it all and i would but echo his praise....thoroughly enjoyable read....beautiful execution
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 4:18 AM
Thank you. I apologize for my taking so long to respond.
Khan Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 10:23 AM
This poem is a beautifully crafted piece that effectively conveys the importance of facial expressions in communication. The use of rhyme and rhythm adds a musical quality to the poem, making it a pleasure to read.
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 4:11 AM
Thank you very much. I endeavor to rhyme and meter all of my poems because I greatly enjoyed Poe and Kipling when a boy.
Daniel Avatar
March 27, 2023 at 8:32 AM
Nothing like a smile, well penned, Richard:)
Thomas Avatar
April 2, 2023 at 3:59 AM
Thank you very much.
Nsa Avatar
January 3, 2022 at 8:10 AM
Smiling, now Richard
M  Avatar
January 3, 2022 at 6:11 AM
Love this Richard so well written and so many smiles!! Enjoyed. Debx
Wolf Avatar
January 2, 2022 at 8:37 PM
I find this a sensational write, Richard. I just love the way you played with all the smiles. Here's to gleaming white teeth. Keep smiling now! Grins are in, gw
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