The Smiling Man

Strangers can sometimes teach us important lessons.

I trod a path that led me to

A cliff that overlooked the sea.

Upon the edge sat an old man,

Hair all white and eyes shut tight,

But a smile so wide and so real

I had to ask his source of mirth.

 

Are you amused by the wind, sir?

Or the sun’s dance upon your face?

Or perhaps the sound of surf gives

Rise to the music in your soul?

 

Silly silly boy, said he.

Sit beside me and you shall know

What tickles my spirit today,

Tomorrow, and forever more.

 

So I sat down upon the ground.

I closed my eyes, readied myself,

And waited for a bit of glee,

A smile, a laugh, a small teehee.

Alas, it did not come to me.

 

Sir, it does not work. I smile not.

I feel no joy, I sense no thrill.

Did you lie? Is it just a joke?

Is your smile from the trick you play?

 

Through smiling lips he said to me,

It is no joke. I play no game.

Try again and remember please,

Happiness comes from inside you.

Seek it not in sun, wind or sound.

Nor in riches can smiles be found.

You’ll find it not in someone else,

Though precious they may be to you.

Your soul will dance if you let it.

Your lips will smile, just set them free!

Now try again, and you will see.

 

And so, again I shut my eyes.

Can smiling be a gift from me?

A simple treasure in my soul?

Lost, waiting only to be found?

I felt my heart begin to beat

In a new and spritely manner.

My spirit rose and I could feel

A lightness that was never there.

I sat upon the ground and yet

I could feel clouds about my head.

 

And a smile spread across my face.

 

     © 2016 Stanley R. Teater

          All rights reserved

Reviews

[goddessofwriting]

"Through smiling lips he said to me,
It is no joke. I play no game.
Try again and remember please,
Happiness comes from inside you."
This section of the poem hit home. Rings truth, as most do not acknowledge the reality of a smile. It cannot be forced, it must come from within the heart - where true happiness resides. Or where happiness must be developed prior to a smile.
Enjoyed this poem immensely, thanks for sharing.

- G.W. :)

[Kami]

Enjoyed the subject matter immensely! I see in comments someone likened it to wisdom from the Tao- that's a grand compliment.

[Jenny Leigh]

Another great one Stanley.

[Paul Bell]

It's a thing we should all do, just sit down, and take stock.
Life today is a hundred mile an hour push to nowhere.
Listen to the old man, might put twenty years extra on your life.

[Dr. Ryan Nolte]

Very inspiring. Reminds me of when I found joy in this world. Nothing external that I sought and achieved, just the realization that life, love, and happiness are up to each of us individually to enjoy and embrace.

[Satoshi IroTzu]

Respect, Stanley R.

This is one of those poems every individual should read once in a lifetime.

The flow is fluent. The rhyme is sweet. The message is eternal.

[costa siwale]

refreshing use of word that provoke thought, glad i read this.

[Coyote Poetry]

This is amazing. The below lines. Powerful and amazing.
"Through smiling lips he said to me,
It is no joke. I play no game.
Try again and remember please,
Happiness comes from inside you.
Seek it not in sun, wind or sound.
Nor in riches can smiles be found.
You’ll find it not in someone else,
Though precious they may be to you.
Your soul will dance if you let it.
Your lips will smile, just set them free!
Now try again, and you will see."
The words above are worthwhile advice given. I had to read again. Thank you Stanley for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[wordman]

sounds like wisdom from the tao,beauty lies with in along with happiness

[Shy Joe]

Just another great poem. This style of write shows a real wit. It's not try hard, you told a story, and you did it with natural flow. Great write and thanks for sharing.