A Smile

Henry Ward Beecher | Jun 1813 - Mar 1887 | American

Nothing on earth can smile but man!
Gems may flash reflected light but what is a diamond –
flash compared to an eye – flash and mirth – flash?
Flowers cannot smile;
this is a charm that even they cannot claim.
It is the prerogative of man;
it is the color which love wears, and cheerfulness,
and joy – these three.
It is a light in the windows of the face,
by which the heart signifies
it is at home and waiting.
A face that cannot smile is like a bud
that cannot blossom, and dries up on the stalk.
Laughter is day, and sobriety is night,
and a smile is the twilight that hovers
gently between both – more bewitching than either.