41 Smile Poems

Smile Poems shares uplifting verses that inspire joy, laughter, and positivity daily.

A smile costs nothing but gives so much—it can brighten a day in an instant.

Short Poems & Quotes  |   Poems Of Encouragement   |   Smile Poems

Updated March 7, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer


A smile is a simple gesture, yet it holds incredible power. It can brighten your day, lift the spirits of others, and spread warmth wherever you go. A grin, a chuckle, or even a heartfelt laugh has the ability to ease tension and bring comfort to those around you. A smile speaks a universal language—one of kindness, friendship, and joy.

This collection of Smile Poems is filled with uplifting verses that remind us just how important a smile can be. Whether you’re sharing one with a friend or finding a reason to smile yourself, these poems celebrate the joy that comes from a happy heart. Written by talented poets, each piece captures the beauty of a simple smile and the positivity it brings.

Take a moment to read through, and who knows? You just might find yourself smiling!



  1. A Smile

    Poet: Daniel C. Colesworthy

    A smile! - who will refuse a smile,
    The sorrowing breast to cheer,
    And turn to love the heart of guile,
    And check the falling tear

    It speaks of kindness and of love,
    A generous sympathy;
    And lifts, on golden wings above,
    The child of penury.

    A pleasant smile for every face
    Oh, 'tis a blessed thing!
    It will the lines of care erase,
    And spots of beauty bring.

    'Twill calm the passions, and subdue
    The ingrate's fiercest rage;
    With buds and blossoms sweetly strew
    The path of youth and age.




  2. The Cost Of A Smile

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    Can you put a dollar on
    Can you pretend and con
    Can you just turn the dial
    And bring on a common smile.

    Priceless is a smile or a grin
    For someone whose life feels dim
    Money can never replace
    That common smile on your face.

    What has never gone out of style
    Why it is that common smile.
    It cost you nothing to give
    So smile, grin, laugh and live!




  3. Smiles Are Like Sunshine

    Poet: Kate Louise Wheeler

    The sunshine makes the flowers grow,
    They cannot thrive in shade;
    If naught but darkness did they know
    Their brightness soon would fade.

    Our lives require the sunlight’s glow,
    They cannot thrive in gloom;
    If naught but darkness did thy know
    Bright hopes would never bloom.

    The sunny smiles that make life bright
    And bless the passing hours,
    Will do for souls that need the light
    What sunshine does for flowers.




  4. Worry Less

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    Worry can take away your smiles
    It can make the steps seem like miles
    Worry stops all the grins
    It makes life seem so dim.

    So take the worry and throw it away
    Find a way to make your smile stay.
    Worry is no good for you
    It just makes you feel so blue.

    Smiling more and worrying less
    Is a way of life to address
    Focus on the positive things
    And you will find the happiness it brings.




  5. Roses Are Red

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    Roses are red,
    Violets are blue,
    A smile is free,
    So why not share two?

    It lifts up your mood,
    It brightens the day,
    And keeps all the grumpies
    Far, far away!



  6. Roses are red, Violets are blue, A smile is free, So why not share two?
    Funny Roses Are Red Poems



  7. Smile When Skies Are Gray

    Poet: Unknown

    Then let us smile when skies are gray.
    And laugh at stormy weather!
    And sing life's lonesome times away;
    So — worry and the dreariest day
    Will find an end together!




  8. Smile More, Frown Less

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    Smile more and frown less
    Can help us when we feel stressed.

    Smile more and frown less
    Is better than putting on a pretty dress

    Smile more and frown less
    Others soon you will impress.

    Smile more and frown less
    You will find others you will bless.

    Smile more and frown less
    Will lead to happiness and success



  9. Smile more and frown less Will lead to happiness and success
    Poems About Happiness



  10. Only A Smile

    Poet: George McDonald

    Only a smile was given me
    On the crowded street one day,
    But it pierced the gloom of my saddened heart
    Like a sunbeam's ray.
    The shadows of doubt hung o'er me,
    And the burden of pain I bore,
    And the voice of hope I could not hear,
    Though I listened o'er and o'er.

    But there came a rift in the crowd about,
    And a face that I knew passed by,
    And the smile I caught was brighter to me
    Than the blue of a summer sky;
    For it gave me back the sunshine,
    And it scattered each somber thought,
    And my heart rejoiced in the kindly warmth
    Which that kindly smile had wrought.

    Only a smile from a kindly face
    On the busy street that day;
    Forgotten as soon as given, perhaps,
    As the donor went her way;
    But straight to my heart it went speeding
    To gild the clouds that were there,
    And I found that of sunshine and life's blue skies
    I also might take my share.




  11. Start Your Day

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    What a better way
    To start your day
    But with a smile big
    Don't keep your face straight, let it zig.

    Smiling will help keep your day
    Positive and cheerful in every way
    As when you give you smile to others
    It can lessen the anxiety that smoothers

    To start today and every day
    With a smile to display
    See how many you can give away
    Make a difference, smile today!




  12. Hey Ho Smile

    Poet: Anna M. Pratt

    When the morning is chilly and misty.
    And clouds are gloomy and gray;
    Then, hey for a smile!
    And ho for a smile!
    To brighten a rainy day.



  13. Start your morning with a smile, and the day will shine a little brighter.
    Good Morning Poems



  14. It Starts With A Smile

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    It starts with a smile then a chuckle
    Before you know it laughter explodes like a bubble
    From the bottom of your toes
    Laughter rises up to your nose.

    Laughter when heard
    Causes smiles inward
    And when children laugh
    It can double you in half.

    A good laugh can cure
    Any little old sore
    It can make you feel happy and glad
    A much better feeling than being sad.

    Laughter is good for you
    It will help in all you do.
    Spread it around and see
    People will be more happy!



  15. s. m. i. l. e.

    by Kate Summers

    s haring smiles
    m otivation it gives
    i s
    l ike sunshine and joy
    e ncouraging it can give



  16. sharing smiles motivation it gives
    Smile Quotes



  17. Smiles of Children

    Poet: Strickland Gillilan

    There are smiles among the children; there is hope for time-to-come;
    Till the children cease to smile we'll not despair;
    Though each portent point to ruin, we will never quite succumb -
    There are little children smiling everywhere;
    In the heart of raving Russia, in Armenia the crushed,
    In the fever-gutted cities of the Serb,
    There are little children smiling; there are faces pleasure-flushed;
    There is courage no calamity may curb.

    There are smiles among the children wheresoe'er are children found,
    For the world begins anew for every child;
    Though they're harnessed in a treadmill for the world-old, dreary round,
    Yet their spirits are to dread unreconciled.
    All the grief of all the ages cannot hold their laughter back
    If they're even halfway housed or fed or clad;
    Let them glimpse a play-ball bounding, let them see a rabbit track,
    And they - well, they just are children and are glad.

    There are smiles among the children - let us mingle ours with theirs;
    Let us drop awhile, as they, the heavy load;
    Let us stand awhile from under all our half-imagined cares
    And go singing with the children down the road;
    All our problems would be simpler; and, the finest thing of all,
    We should lose our apprehensions that benumb;
    There are little children smiling everywhere the sunbeams fall -
    While the children smile, there's hope for time-to-come.




  18. A Smiling Paradox

    Poet: John Kendrick Bangs

    I've squandered smiles to-day,
    And, strange to say,
    Altho' my frowns with care I've stowed away,
    To-night I'm poorer far in frowns than at the start;
    While in my heart,
    Wherein my treasures best I store,
    I find my smiles increased by several score.




  19. Let's Be Clowns

    Poet: Wilhelmina Stitch

    Chalk-white faces, spangled gowns,
    Airs and graces, capering clowns!
    Noses painted (reds and browns);
    Look! they’ve fainted; foolish clowns!
    East and west, cities, towns, clap with zest circus clowns.
    Speak no word – verbs or nouns.

    Quite absurd, much-loved clowns.
    What a fall! Smiles, no frowns.
    Best of all- these agile clowns.
    Daddy roars, so does mother.
    That clown scores, smacks his brother.
    Life must bring ups and downs.

    In life’s ring let’s be clowns!
    Learn their way to make folk smile;
    Dullest day, hardest mile.
    In life’s ring let’s be clowns;
    Laugh and sing at ups and downs!



  20. In life’s ring let’s be clowns; Laugh and sing at ups and downs!
    Poems About Laughter



  21. How Many Smiles

    Poet: John F. Trowbridge

    How many smiles there could be
    If folks would always say,
    "Good-morning, neighbor, let me give
    A helping hand to-day! "
    How many smiles there will be,
    My friend, when you and I
    Have learned to practice what we wish
    These other folks would try!




  22. 'Tis Better And Best

    Poet: Unknown

    'Tis better to laugh than to cry, dear
    A proverb you'll grant me is true
    'Tis best to forget to be sad, dear;
    The heartsease is better than rue.

    'Tis best to be glad for what is, dear.
    Than to sigh for the things which are not.
    'Tis braver to reckon the joys, dear.
    Than the trouble that falls to your lot.

    'Tis more to be good than be great, dear;
    To be happy is better than wise;
    You'll find if you smile at the world, dear,
    The world will smile back in your eyes.



  23. The Service Of Smiles

    Poet: W. C. Martin

    Go smiling through this world of care,
    And make the days more bright and fair.
    So much the clouds o'erspread the sky,
    So many hopes and comforts die,
    And we can all some cheer impart
    To soothe a dull and careworn heart.
    He serves the Lord who thus beguiles
    The gloom from souls with sunny smiles.

    Go smiling through this world of care;
    'Twill easy make the loads to bear,
    And bring some rest and sweet relief
    To souls borne down by care and grief.
    In each one's heart some sadness lies,
    And tears have bathed all human eyes.
    He serves the Master who beguiles
    The gloom away with sunny smiles.

    Go smiling all the way along,
    And fill the days with joy and song;
    Go speak a word of hope and cheer
    To every soul that passes near:
    For each of them as well as thee
    That blood was shed on Calvary.
    Ah, Christlike he is who beguiles
    Away both care and grief with smiles.




  24. Let It In

    Poet Unknown

    When you're feelin' grouchy,
    Let the Sunshine in;
    When your face gets feeln' hard,
    Crack it with a grin.
    Don't be 'fraid o' wrinkles.
    Tear loose with your mirth;
    An old face, laughter-wrinkled,
    Is the sweetest thing on earth.



  25. When you're feelin' grouchy, Let the Sunshine in
    Funny Poems



  26. Be Cheerful

    Poet: Unknown

    Be cheerful. Give this lonesome world a smile,
    We stay at longest but a little while.
    Hasten we must, or we shall lose the chance
    To give the gentle word, the kindly glance.
    Be sweet and tender - that is doing good;
    'Tis doing what no other good deed could.




  27. If You Smile

    Poet: Charles Rufus Skinner

    If you think you've missed the mark,
    Use a Smile;
    If your life seems in the dark
    Why, just Smile.
    Don't give up in any fight;
    There's a coming day that's bright,
    There's a dawn beyond the night,
    If you Smile.



  28. The Transformation

    Poet: G. Luther Weibel

    When the clouds obscure the sky,
    And the world seems all awry;
    And the rain comes pouring down,
    And there's trouble all around;
    When someone speaks a word unkind,
    And worries seem to fill the mind;
    When my thoughts are very blue
    Because there's so much to do;
    I place a smile upon my face
    And note the change that's taking place.
    The clouds just seem to fade away,
    The world and all around seems gay;
    The rains have washed the face of earth,
    Revealing much that is of worth;
    And other faces seem to shine
    Into the smiling face of mine;
    The task that seemed so hard to do
    Was quickly done, and better, too;
    The world seemed happier to be
    Because there was a smile on me.




  29. Keep Smiling

    Poet: Edgar Nye

    It doesn't cost any more to wear a smile
    Than it does to wear a frown;
    The smile will make your life worth while.
    While the frown will keep you down.

    So what's the use of doing a thing
    That will drive old friends away;
    When a smile is always sure to bring
    You new friends day by day.




  30. Smiles Drive Away

    by Everett Wentworth Hill

    May clouds bring smiles instead of tears
    Because I will it so.
    It eases life to laugh at doubts and
    Let dark idols go.

    There is no way to combat fate,
    For life's a game we play.
    The clouds of day are only fears
    Which smiles will drive away.




  31. Smiling Face

    Poet: Unknown

    Now don't forget, when things go wrong,
    To try the magic of a song.
    A cheerful heart, and smiling face
    Pour sunshine in the darkest place.



  32. Roses Are Red

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    Roses are red,
    Violets are blue,
    Life throws its curveballs,
    But don't let it stop you like glue.

    When challenges bloom,
    Like thorns on a rose,
    Stay strong and keep going,
    A positive attitude will show.

    Keep smiling, keep trying,
    Don't surrender the fight,
    For even in darkness,
    You can turn on the light.




  33. It's Better To Smile

    Poet: David V. Bush

    Lose temper, and all must perish;
    Smile, and you'll put er through!
    An angry frown puts your true self down -
    So smile, and dare, and do!

    When your rage seems too hot to smother.
    And the world bears a crimson hue,
    Don't play the fool - take a moment to cool -
    Just smile, and you'll push 'er through!

    When you feel like tearing and rending.
    Just pause for a saner view.
    There is naught to gain from your wrathful pain-
    So smile, and you'll push 'er through!

    Lose your temper, and you are vanquished:
    Smile, and you'll put 'er through;
    For anger's the first of your foes - and worst -
    So smile, and dare, and do!




  34. Worth Its Weight in Gold

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    Is a smile is worth its weight in gold
    It is something that can't be bought or sold.
    A smile is worth so much more
    It is a facial expression we adore.

    Is a smile worth going the extra mile for
    When your smilin' you won't be bored
    A smile given in forgiveness is pure
    To stop an argument it can cure.

    A smile is worth opening the door
    You'll be amazed at what is in store
    You see a smile is worth its weight in gold
    It is welcome and never old.



  35. You see a smile is worth its weight in gold It is welcome and never old.
    Funny Poems About Life



  36. Value It Brings

    Poet: Catherine Pulsifer

    Value it brings to everyone
    It is like a little burst of sun.
    Never underestimate the thing
    That a friendly smile will bring.

    You may think that little grin
    Could start a smile within
    It's like a chuckle for the fellow
    Who breaks into a laugh and bellows

    Smiles have a value you see
    And even better they are free
    So give one of yours away
    And brighten someone else's day!




  37. The Contagious Smile

    Poet Unknown

    Smile a smile!
    While you smile,
    Another smiles;
    And soon there are miles
    And miles of smiles
    And life's worth while —
    If you but smile.




  38. What Smiles Can Do

    Poet: Unknown

    A smile is quite a funny thing,
    It wrinkles up your face,
    And when it's gone, you never find
    Its secret hiding place.

    But far more wonderful it is
    To see what smiles can do;
    You smile at one, he smiles at you,
    And so one smile makes two.

    He smiles at someone since you smiled,
    And then that one smiles back;
    And that one smiles, until in truth
    You fail in keeping track.

    Now since a smile can do great good
    By cheering hearts of care,
    Let's smile and smile, and not forget
    That smiles go everywhere!




  39. The Vital Accompaniment

    Poet: Strickland Gillilan

    The wise admonition goes deeper, they say,
    If you smile when you give it.
    Your righteous life lures other feet to the Way
    If you smile while you live it.
    The word of good cheer finds the heart you had meant -
    Sinks into the spirit to which it was sent -
    Lends all of the help it was meant to have lent
    If you smile when you give it.

    The money you handed that brother in need -
    Did you smile when you gave it?
    His pride may have hurt till it made his heart bleed -
    Nought but smiling could save it.
    Not an impudent smirk or a meaningless grin,
    Not a smile just as deep as your outermost skin -
    But a love-laden smile, with sweet confidence in -
    That will help him to brave it.




  40. A Laugh Pays Best In The End

    by Quincy Kilby

    When a man meets a friend with a cloud on his brow,
    And a look that shows worry and fret,
    He should use every effort to lighten his care.
    And to make him feel glad that they met.
    He should do all he can to bring cheer to the heart,
    And a smile to the lips of his friend. . . .
    Read the entire poem, A Laugh Pays Best In The End




  41. It's Worth A Million Dollars

    Poet: Rolf Thelan

    The thing that goes the farthest toward making life worth while,
    That costs the least and does the most, is just a pleasant smile;
    The smile that bubbles from a heart that loves it fellow-men,
    Will drive away the clouds of gloom and coax the sun again.

    It's full of worth and goodness, too, with manly kindness blent;
    It's worth a million dollars, and it doesn't cost a cent. . . .
    Read the entire poem at A Smile Is Worth



  42. The thing that goes the farthest toward making life worth while, That costs the least and does the most, is just a pleasant smile
    Poems About Joy



  43. If You Will Smile

    Poet: David V. Bush

    If you will start your daily task
    With cheerful smile and face aglow,
    In friendship's pleasing rays you'll bask,
    And toil each hour will lighter grow.
    If you will smile!

    If you will face life's problems dire
    With twinkling eye and smiling lip . . . .
    Read the entire poem at Start Your Day With A Smile




  44. A Face Without A Smile

    Poet Unknown

    Like bread without the spreadin',
    Like a puddin' without sauce,
    Like a mattress without beddin',
    Like a cart without a hoss,
    Like a door without a latchstring,
    Like a fence without a stile . . . .
    Read the complete poem, A Face Without A Smile




  45. Smiles Give

    Poet: Julia Bias

    Smiles are so cheap, why not willingly give
    A dozen a day for each day that we live?
    They brighten the face and hearts happy make.
    Why not smile with good grace
    Just for some one's own sake.
    I admire the face that wears the true smile. . . .
    Read the entire poem at Smile More



  46. smile more
    Laugh Quotes



  47. A Friendly Beaming Smile

    Poet Unknown

    It's understood by everyone from Norway to the Nile.
    It has the potency of sun - this friendly, beaming smile.
    It's worth no end of money, it cannot hurt or rile.
    Ah! sweeter far than honey, this friendly beaming smile.

    It has the pow'r to do so much along the weary mile.
    It is the tender, human touch - this friendly, sunny smile. . . .
    Read the complete poem, A Friendly Beaming Smile




  48. The Town of Don't You Worry

    Poet: L. J. Bartlett

    There's a town called Don't-You-Worry,
    On the banks of River Smile,
    Where the Cheer-Up and Be-Happy,
    Blossoms sweetly all the while.
    Where the Never-Grumble flower,
    Blooms beside the fragrant Try . . . .
    Read the complete poem, Worry Less Smile More




  49. Who Can Tell The Value

    Poet: James Conway Jackson

    Who can tell the value of a bright and sunny smile?
    A smile of cheerful fellowship, without deceit or gulle;
    A smile of kindly welcome or pure untrammeled love
    Lifts hearts that are bowed in sorrow to sublime heights above.

    Who can tell the value of a real, sweet friendly smile?
    A smile that makes you happy and makes life seem worth while. . . .
    Read the entire poem at The Value Of A Smile




  50. It Doesn't Cost A Cent

    Poet: Poet: D. W. Moore

    One of the many essential things
    That make our lives worth while;
    (Tho' it cost the least of all)
    Is a sweet and pleasant smile.

    A smile thus bubbling from the heart
    Of our friends or fellowmen. . . . .
    Read the entire poem at A Smile Cost Nothing


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Happiness Quotes - A smile is the spark of happiness, and these uplifting quotes will keep that spark glowing all day long.

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Funny Birthday Poems - What’s a birthday without laughter? These funny birthday poems will bring smiles to any celebration!

Mr. Nobody Poem - A smile is often found in life’s little mysteries—just like the mischievous Mr. Nobody in this classic poem.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about smiles and the impact of joyful living.



A simple smile is a small act of kindness that speaks louder than words

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Some of the poems featured on this page were written by these renowned poets. Click their names to learn more about them and their timeless works:

For a full collection of celebrated poets, visit our Famous Poets page.





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