Of Smiles (And Dour Faces) Poem by David Whalen

<center>Lips pressed tight as layers of rock
Chin thrust forth like scarp of stone
Visage closed tight…as a lock
Semblance shone as of a crone

Face so spare of love and care
Gives show to heart, cold draped with snow
And from so compressed lips…never slips
A more kind word than "No! "

This will ne'er be, the way for me
For I cannot but to smile
I possess a simple mind that deigns to find
Good humour all the while

If one should find the time opportune to smile
Don't hesitate to take it
For If one goes round…dressed in a frown
One might just as well…go round naked!
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