Just a Simple Smile | Teen Ink

Just a Simple Smile

February 18, 2011
By AthenaBook SILVER, Arlington, Virginia
AthenaBook SILVER, Arlington, Virginia
5 articles 0 photos 36 comments

Favorite Quote:
You should not live the way the world asks, but the way that you ask of yourself.


This city with streets
Paved with broken wishes
And broken promises

This wind
Singing lost hopes
And lost dreams

This billboard with pictures
Of weary,
Hungry
People

This water
That does not jump and dance
Across the sand,
But simply slides
Lethargically

These minds
Filled with memories
Of past friends and
Family
Who have died defending their country

This sky
That no longer turns blue
But gray with overlapping clouds

This nation
With a past and present
That is kaput

Will it end?

Will it pick up its damage, repave its streets, open the sky, and open the people’s hearts and souls??

Will you give me a smile? Just a simple smile- to brighten up my day- can’t you spare a glance? I know you have lost- but can't you love, too?

Are we a nation? Or are we cold, cold people?

Can’t you give me a smile?


The author's comments:
Hopefully, this will encourage people to start smiling at people just to brighten up their day, and make them feel as if someone has given them the world on a crappy day. Sometimes we all need a little extra happiness... You can start by giving some.

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This article has 2 comments.


on Mar. 14 2011 at 7:43 pm
AthenaBook SILVER, Arlington, Virginia
5 articles 0 photos 36 comments

Favorite Quote:
You should not live the way the world asks, but the way that you ask of yourself.

Thank you so much! I am SO glad that it struck a chord within your heart. Please encourge others to take a look at this as well- this is a message that, I believe, should be spread across the world. Thanks again!

on Mar. 14 2011 at 3:32 pm
What a beautiful and moving poem.  I absolutely love it, and look forward to more works by this author.