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

[Valentine]

Happiness partially comes from with in when we let it, nice write, makes one think. Valentine

[kazzy]

nice narrative, interesting subject. uplifting message, it can be difficult to find happiness within yourself in such a materialistic world