A smile changed the world,
For it was passed around,
Refreshing scores of thirsty hearts
Like rain on desert ground.

It was given to a mother,
Who gave it to her son;
He gave it to his teacher
Before the day was done.

It then restored the confidence
Of one who’d lost his wife;
He gave it to a discouraged cop
And helped him save a life.

It then inspired a poet,
Helped a soldier stop a war,
Brought hope of a brighter future
To the clerk in the corner store.

It helped a hardened felon see
Life was better than it seemed,
Encouraged a man to give his heart
To the woman of his dreams.

She gave it to a despairing wife
Who was bound to an abusive man;
She then discovered the courage
To finally take a stand.

It has given hope to many,
Brought joy to some feeling blue,
Helped others find a hidden strength,
It even saved a life or two.

So where did that smile originate,
The one opening all these doors?
You’ll find it in the mirror, my friend,
For that first smile was yours.


© Brandyn Sand
4-26-99