Living

Don't Frown

by Freeman E. Miller 1864–1951

From Oklahoma Sunshine (1905)

Living

Don't frown!
In the world's market place,
For a scowl there's no price,
And a long, gloomy face
Never cuts any ice!
Look pleasant, look pleased,
Or as pleased as you can;--
With a smile can be seized
All the great things of man!
Don't frown!

Don't frown!
With a smile on your lips
You can reach to the end
Of the world's last eclipse
Or the heart of a friend;
And the things the gods throw
Over life's weary mile,
Are the gifts they bestow
In return for a smile.
Don't frown!

Don't frown!
As you walk down the way
Where the world scatters chaff,
Light your labors with play
And your griefs with a laugh!
And when it's all o'er
And you reach heaven's stile,
You will get through the door
If you carry a smile!
Don't frown!

MLA

Miller, Freeman E. “Don't Frown.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/miller_fe/75/.

Chicago

Miller, Freeman E. “Don't Frown.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/miller_fe/75/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Freeman E. Miller