smile

Smile though your heart is aching,
Smile even though it's breaking,
When there are clouds in the sky
You'll get by,
If you smile through your fear and sorrow,
Smile and maybe tomorrow,
You'll see the sun come shining through for you.

Light up your face with gladness,
Hide ev'ry trace of sadness,
Although a tear may be ever so near,
That's the time
You must keep on trying,
Smile, what's the use of crying,
You'll find that life is still worthwhile,
If you just smile.

(Charlie Chaplin)
___

and there really is so much to smile about.

like yesterday morning on the streetcar, i sat distracting myself with a book until i was roused by the sweet notes of a girl singing oh my darling clementine in what sounded like a scandinavian language. i looked up to see people smiling to themselves, to others, and some transiters actually spoke to each other - happy words about youth and freedom. from end to end, the streetcar seemed to breathe a sigh of contentment. of relief.

as we pulled into the station, the driver took a moment to thank the sweet little girl and her voice - and most people clapped. it was a moment of magic, of beauty. it's a good song! she agreed proudly, and people laughed and smiled as they stood back to let their fellow humans off before them.

and so i smile.