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Smile

“Nothing you wear is more important than
your smile.” —Connie Stevens

I didn’t weigh your sway and worth
__Until you left my face
Devoid of joy and minus mirth.
__You left without a trace
Of warmth and light—no hint of bright
And beautiful—no shining sight
__Imbued with rays of grace
To melt the mournful corners of
The bleakest days bereft of love.

I failed to prize your charm and cheer
__Until your splendor fled.
I ache for glee from ear to ear.
__I battle tears of dread.
I grieve the fever of your fun
As sassy as the summer sun—
__The merriment you spread
Was seventh heaven’s grinning gift.
You gave the bluest heart a lift.

I yearn to have your magic back.
__I burn to let it beam
Its rosy glow on woes that lack
__A silver-lining dream.
Each frosty hour I count the cost
Of you. I know just what I lost
__The day I couldn’t crack
Your code—the spark that fires my soul—
The song that makes my spirit whole.

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Susan Jarvis Bryant is a poet originally from the U.K., now living on the Gulf Coast of Texas.

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15 Responses

  1. Michael Pietrack

    I was prepared to read “a smile” when I read “your code.” Nice set up!

    I hope you’ve been well. I’ve been working in Plano regularly; let’s catch up soon.

    Reply
  2. jd

    A lovely poem, Susan, and such a sad one. My husband is blessed with a constant smile from the heart. I can’t even imagine him without it but you come close to describing how its loss would feel.

    Reply
  4. Brian A. Yapko

    I love this poem, Susan, which broke my heart a little. Of course it’s commonly experienced that we don’t appreciate something until it’s gone. But you make this loss of the speaker’s smile — something we take for granted — into beautiful, albeit painful, art. That this is a medical reality and not just a metaphor is important to understand here, though the poem can be read metaphorically as well. You have reminded us all to be grateful even for little things — especially for little things. And rest assured you are always in my prayers. I fervently hope that your smile does come back. But if it doesn’t, rest assured that your inner smile beams brilliant light. And that doesn’t change.

    Reply
  5. Roy Eugene Peterson

    Susan, you have beautifully spoken to us of the loss of smile whether through a disease, or through the death of a loved one or friend. How eloquently and tenderly you treated this loss for us of one who meant so much. May you smile sadly and joyously in your own memories of them and the shared good times even as it is draped over the sorrow of the missing smiles.

    Reply
  6. Mark Stellinga

    I’m betting, and a bit distraught, that you were fighting tears as you penned this piece, Susan. I was, by the time I’d finished reading it. Wow – what a gut-punch! I reluctantly love what it says, and am very impressed with the structure of the piece. but I pray it’s in no way relevant to a personal circumstance of yours or Mike’s. Take good care, M & C

    Reply
  7. Warren Bonham

    Extremely moving and very well crafted (as always). I see a lot of fake Hollywoodish smiles. No one misses giving or seeing those. You speak of a sincere smile that is a joy to the giver and the recipient.

    Reply
  8. Paul A. Freeman

    When we have toothache or backache, it sometimes feels that others around us don’t comprehend the pain and are maybe unsympathetic. This is a very emotive poem and let’s the reader experience what you’re currently experiencing – ‘currently’ being the operative word.

    Thinking of you Susan, and tomorrow, especially it being Friday, I’ll be smiling for you.

    Reply
  9. Joseph S. Salemi

    We’re all on your side, Susan, and we’re praying and hoping for the best.

    Reply
  10. Yael

    Smiles are wonderful things and events for which to be grateful, thank you for reminding me Susan. I pray you will experience bountiful smiles this holiday season.

    Reply
  11. Russel Winick

    Best wishes from Naperville, Illinois, and thanks for a deep and moving poem, Susan.

    Reply
  12. C.B. Anderson

    If we lose our smiles, all we’re left with are similes. Take heart and carry on.

    Reply
  13. Adam Wasem

    A fine job of taking what I am presuming–if I may presume, please take no offense–is a personal trial and making of it a universal elegy. A good time to remember that what is lost can also somehow, someday, be found, including an elusive smile. Be well and be blessed, Susan.

    Reply
  14. Margaret Coats

    Susan, may the rosy glow of the smile code speedily return to your face and warm your spirit!

    Reply
  15. Susan Jarvis Bryant

    A big “THANK YOU” for every encouraging and beautiful comment. Your words of kindness and care have strengthened me on my challenging journey and warmed my heart. I am healing slowly but surely – poetry is always my highlight of the day… I am certain wondrously woven words heal.

    Reply

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