Smile, Remember It All The While Poem by Annie Cordelia Adams

When the flood sweeps joy away
and menace casts its rod to catch
An Island desert marauder you feel,
or feel nothing at all under all that steel

You've forgotten where you placed
your heart. Or perhaps never knew
you had that part of you.

When nothingness seeps in
and boredom just begins:
an empty feeling, stiff and gnawing
snips crawl and crows cawing

If ever you thought life was good
or even full, that thought was wiped
away for good, for ever. Don't peek yet.
(I've a surprise)

If ever you remember brightness,
Remember it now.
and remember how you used to smile.
Remember, or soon you'll forget all the while

So, there is always something for you
Something in your eyes, you know
something behind that hard, steel heart
A joy you've yet to show

Look into another's eyes
say his name and he'll say yours
another soul to be your friend
a bosom friend to be sure

If that time has passed for you
Remember it now, and remember
how you used to smile.

Smile, and remember it all the while.

Remember what I've said to you
Words can also be your friend
Say them well, and they'll say to you,
Remember them all the while