The Value of a Smile

It costs nothing, but creates much.
It enriches those who receive,
without impoverishing those who give.

It happens in a flash,
and the memory of it sometimes lasts for ever.

None are so rich they can get along without it,
and none so poor but are richer for its benefits.

It creates happiness in the home,
fosters good will in a business
and is the countersign of friends.

It is rest to the weary,
daylight to the discouraged,
sunshine to the sad
and Nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed
or stolen, for it is something that is no
earthly good to anybody till it is given away.

If you find someone too tired to give
you a smile, leave one of yours.
For nobody needs a smile so much
as those who have none left to give.

Frank Irving Fletcher