As I think about it I really can’t tell you why I wrote this poem. I had attended a funeral for a friend and several people talked about how he was always so positive and always had a smile on his face. I try to be positive and happy but I’m pretty sure that I often fall short. Last Friday my niece Melissa Terry lost her husband Michael to cancer. I guess that it put me in a contemplative mood. Michael was just a few years older than me and he had fought the cancer for several months and I guess I get the feeling it was just his time to go. So I started thinking about the effect that a happy person can have on everyone around them. This poem was the result of my musings.
Gale L. Wolfenbarger
11 February 2016
Singing raises my spirit and gives my work merit and lightens my heart for a while.
It gives me hope and courage to cope as I meet each trouble and trial.
I sing with my neighbor as we joyfully labor on tasks whether large or small.
Time like a dream passes quickly it seems and soon work is not work at all.
Laughing’s a joy like a wonderful toy that you shared with friends as a child.
It cures sorrow and sadness, brings mirth and gladness, so you forget all your cares for a while.
Smiling will gladden a heart that is saddened when met by a face with a smile.
A smile has a way to brighten the day and lighten life’s burdens a while.
A happy face is a wonderful place to rest your eyes when you’re sad.
Whether laughing or singing that sets the walls ringing, how can you help but be glad?
When your body’s in pain and walking’s a strain and even sitting’s a chore,
Think of those times when life was sublime and you sat by the ocean’s shore.
Think of those times when you walked through the pines and your spirit just wanted to soar.
As we travel through life, through toil and strife, could we really have asked for more?
Our life is a pleasure, a wonderful treasure that we live and enjoy for a while.
So put a song in your heart and do your part to greet every day with a smile.
Spread gladness and joy to each girl and each boy and sing them a joyful song.
Sharing joy is a gift, each soul it will lift, soon each heart will be singing along.
Your life is a song be it short or long and you choose it to be happy or sad.
Choose happy today and start on your way to make someone else feel glad.
I think you will find as you ponder this rhyme that a song really does give rise
To your spirit today so go on your way and sing a song with a smile in your eyes.
Gale L. Wolfenbarger
7 February 2016
Copyright © 2016 Gale L. Wolfenbargerr