The Value of a Smile

A smile
That’s all it takes
Just one smile, 
from just one person
a quick nod “Hello!”
no judgment tossed out
replies not required
just a welcome gift of kindness.

It is hard to smile when tired or sad or just plain mad.
Leaden stiff muscles do not wish to obey, 
Yet smile-less days stretch down, long and gray.

How to give back the many smiles that are given?
Easily, sincerely and just one small smile, 
it doesn't have to be driven, so
listen for music and watch out for flowers,
step close to a playground where kids play for hours!
See stars in the sky or a sunrise at dawn.
If thunder and lightening pleases, turn that smile on.

Pass a smile forward whenever you can
~ the moment may pass but heart memory lives on.

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile,

but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

~ Thich Nhat Hanh