Today’s poem

SMILE

A smile is a shaft of sunlight That flashes through the gloom, Just like a camera flashbulb Lights up the dullest room. A smile is like a sweet liqueur That’s sure to break the ice, It costs the giver nothing But its value has no price. It needs no preparation But wells up from the heart, Transforming countenances With the warmth it does impart. A smile is born from happiness Let’s use it every day — But exercise discretion With life’s greatest give-away.

Jonathan Bryant, worthing, west sussex.

...and classic poetry for ourtime

I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills When all at once I said (out loud): ‘Oh blast, I didn’t take my pills.’ Beside the lake, beneath the trees, ’Twas there that I began to sneeze For oft as on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood A tear will fall from my right eye Which ruins my solicitude And then my heart with pleasure fills I find, and take, hay fever pills.

John hensby, Portesham, Dorset.