Citatepedia^®.com

The man who gives little with a smile gives more than the man who gives much with a frown.

Jewish proverbs
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Smile For The Camera

I see you standing out there in the hall
You seem so nervous waiting for his call
I focus on you
I reach for the lens
The shutter snaps again
(smile)
Smile for the camera
You know
(smile)
The camera never ever lies
Ive been watching you with
Eager hungry eyes
For sometime
(smile)
I hold my lens in the middle of the night
Visions of you dancing in the strobe light
Up on my wall is a picture or two
Of someone who looks like you
(smile)
Smile for the camera
You know
(smile)
The camera is my wide lens
(smile)
You know the camera is my private eye
I got color transparencies
I got black and white
(smile)
Smile for the camera
You know that
(smile)
Cameras never ever lies
(smile)
Ive been watching you with telephoto eyes
For some time
(smile)
Smile for me
(come on)
Smile for me
(come on)
Smile for me
(come on)
Smile for me
(come on)
Smile for me
(come on)
Smile for me
(come on)
(smile)
Wont you smile for the camera

[...] Read more

song performed by Rick Springfield
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

O, How I Smile!

O, how I smile!
I smile at the morning sun,
I smile when the day is done;
I smile at a cup of tea,
I smile at the old oak tree;
I smile at the summer flower,
I smile at each sudden shower;
I smile at the horned moon,
I smile for poor Lorna Doone;
I smile on early Monday mornings,
I even smile when I'm yawning!
I smile in slow traffic jams,
I smile when I'm eating spam;
I smile when I miss my date,
I smile when the weekend's late;
I smile at the minimum wage,
I smile at the blank white page.
I smile when my hawks aren't fed,
I smile in my empty bed;
I smile at all my enemies,
(Which makes them rather ill at ease) !
I smile at horrid screaming babies,
I'll smile if my dogs get rabies;
I smile if the nights get cold,
I'll smile if I get too old;
I smile if I'm feeling vague,
I'll smile with bubonic plague;
(When I think of someone dear,
I'll smile with a little tear) .
I'll smile when the Furies call,
I'll smile when the cities fall;
I'll smile when all the cards are dealt,
I'll smile when the ice-caps melt;
I'll smile when all the bees have died,
I'll smile when the Earth has fried;
I'll still be smiling, there's no doubt,
Even when the Sun goes out.
But as I smile I'd like to say,
I smile out to sea each day,
Where once the summer wind had ranged,
And then so very quickly changed,
To leave me stranded in this place,
While fixing fast my smiling face.

(CBB Aug 2011)

poem by Colin Breck Boardman
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

SMILE and it BLOOMS FOREVER! ! !

SMILE! ! ! a NEW LIFE will blossom right before your EYES

Don’t worry! ! ! Smile! ! !

A Smile is an act of Modesty
A Smile sheds on light your Honesty
A Smile is a sweet Escape from Anxiety

A Smile is a precious gift
A Smile gives you a lift
To your sad mood
The Magic Smile makes a Shift

Smile, conquer your inner pain
Don’t think twice, smile
Bring back your inner bliss again
Don’t rile! ! ! Don’t rile
A Sincere Smile makes one’s intention plain

Smile when you’re worry
Smile when you’re in a hurry
Smile when you say Sorry

Smile, Smile for the Smile itself
A Smile is a way to relax yourself

The Reason of the Smile is a Smile
When you smile,
You’ll realize that the Life Worthwhile

Paint a Smile on your face,
No matter the time or the place
Smile and you’ll be always the Ace

Smile, be your delight chief
Smile, erase your grief
Send your Hopeful Smile
The despair is the Smile Thief
Smile and walk on the Hope’s Way
Smile, your Smile Rays shine your Day

Smile, your Tears Of Sadness turns into Tears Of Joy
Smile, you’ll feel the innocence of a little Girl or Boy

Smile! ! ! Don’ Worry! ! !

{December 03,2009}

poem by Glamorous Enigma
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Smile Away

I walking down the street the other day
Who did I meet
I met a friend of mine and he did say
Man I can smell your feet a mile away
Smile away, smile away, smile away, yeah smile away
Smile away, smile away, smile away, yeah smile away
Smile away, smile away, smile away, yeah smile away
Smile away, smile away, smile away, yeah smile away
I walking down the street the other day
Who did I meet
I met a friend of mine and he did say
Man I can smell your breath a mile away
Smile away, smile away, smile away, yeah smile away
Smile away, smile away, smile away, yeah smile away
Who did I meet
I met a friend of mine and he did say
Man I can smell your teeth a mile away
Smile away, smile away, smile away, yeah smile away
Smile away, smile away, smile away, yeah smile away

song performed by Paul McCartney
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Smile Or Frown

Pairs of opposites
Half of them parasites
In the lives of mortals
Invading their portals!

Smile and frown one such
World of difference so much!

Smile attracts, Frown repels
Smile wins, Frown loses
Smile befriends, Frown alienates
Smile infuses love, Frown injects hatred
Smile encourages, Frown deserts
Smile strengthens, Frown weakens
Smile carries, Frown throws off

Humans alone can control
And conquer to play their role!

Sport the smile
Bid adieu to frown
Make others happy
Feel really merry!

poem by Subbaraman N V
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Give The Po Man A Break

Give po man a break
Give po man a break
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a
Give po man a

[...] Read more

song performed by Fatboy Slim
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Rainy Days

[Ja]
Heh yeah
Rule baby, heh
Mary J. Blige
Murda INC
Smile...
[Mary]
It's just those rainy days
Spend a lifetime tryin to wash away
Until the sun come out and shines again
Smile for me, smile for me
[Ja]
All of those rainy days
Spend ya lifetime tryin to wash away
Until the sun shines and I see your face
Smile at me, smile at me
[Mary]
We were always livin so crazy and sexy and cool
And we began to love it (began to love it)
Watchin all of the heartache and pain of the world
And thinkin nothin of it (thinkin nothin of it)
And baby I got love for you
And I know that you got me, baby
But everytime the sun shines bright
It gets so cloudy
It's just those rainy days
Spend a lifetime tryin to wash away
Until the sun come out and shines again
Smile for me, smile for me
[Ja]
All of those rainy days
Spend ya lifetime tryin to wash away
Until the sun shines and I see your face
Smile at me, smile at me
[Mary] Nobody loves the rain
[Ja] Can't stand it
We know we've seen it before
[Mary] Baby, handle it
Baby, what did we tell ya before
About chasin those waterfalls
[Both] Yeah...
[Mary] Nobody loves the rain
[Ja] Can't stand it
We know we've seen it before
[Mary] Baby, handle it
Baby, what did we tell ya before
About chasin those waterfalls
[Both] Yeah...
[Ja]
Yea baby

[...] Read more

song performed by Mary J Blige
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Smile Always!

Smile man, smile! Always smile!
Smile all life and smile in style;
Smiling makes one worriless;
And makes you happy and less tense.

Let your smile be spontaneous;
Smiling keeps body relaxed,
And makes your mind fit and composed;
Smile man, smile! Smile always!

Smile from dawn to until dusk;
That’s one way to beat life’s stress;
Smile to all who come across;
Smile man, smile! Smile always!

Smile and get forever praise;
It will help you pass your days;
You will never feel malaise;
Smile man, smile! Smile always!

Four muscles help you to smile;
Sixty-four help you to frown;
Smile man smile! Smile all days!
Smile man, smile! Smile always!

(5-9-2000)

poem by John Celes
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Smile For Me

Girl I dont want to waiste time, me just love the profile
You have the general going wild
Degree love it when you smile
Smile for me, you fill my heart with pleasure
Cant you see, you make me feel a whole lot better
Just smile for me. just keep that smile forever
Baby girl the two of we, we have to get together
Smile for me, you fill my heart with pleasure
Cant you see, you make me feel a whole lot better
Just smile for me. just keep that smile forever
Baby girl the two of we, we have to get together
Show me your smile and make me see your pretty dimple
Them bright like the stars them when twinkle
It make me body full of goosepimple
No take it simple cause its dem thing that me into
Another thing woman tell me if you are single
And if you are single well hear this ya tingle
If me and you should ever get the chance fe mingle
A dis me what you do to make my body tingle
Smile for me, you fill my heart with pleasure
Cant you see, you make me feel a whole lot better
Just smile for me. just keep that smile forever
Baby girl the two of we, we have to get together
Woman when you smile ever cute you ever twist
Your smile a drive me wild, woman I am tempted to kiss
Me say honey me say sugar, all over your lips
Could a give me diabetes, me still not resist!
Come dem a smile me a record for you, a compact disc (I tell you)
Well already fixed like a digital mix, woman you are bad with it
You no need no practice, and the verse, and start the corus like this
Smile for me, you fill my heart with pleasure
Cant you see, you make me feel a whole lot better
Just smile for me. just keep that smile forever
Baby girl the two of we, we have to get together
Smile for me, you fill my heart with pleasure
Cant you see, you make me feel a whole lot better
Just smile for me. just keep that smile forever
Baby girl the two of we, we have to get together
Girl a you have the right serial
And you produce the smiling material
From a past end place someone ? your ?
But for your smile a fe dem all good and equal
A smile a there for me is so essential
A what it do me you have to keep it confidential
So just smile a while and dont crap me style
No ever do that to the general
Smile for me, you fill my heart with pleasure
Cant you see, you make me feel a whole lot better
Just smile for me. just keep that smile forever
Baby girl the two of we have to get together

[...] Read more

song performed by Ub40
Added by Lucian Velea
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Smile! :) ?

Smile...whenever you are free
Just have a walk somewhere near sea..

A smile for u to kip calm and in ease
This smile, that makes u feel like a cool breeze..

A smile when there`s no place to accommodate
Give A smile even when there`s no time to celebrate..

Smile when your wardrobe is has nothing new
Wear something differently from that existing hue..

A smile..to impress
U should have for you to dress..

Smile when your friends turn lazy
That's the time when u start acting crazy..

The smile when u rise up in d crowd
Is the one which makes u feel proud..

A smile when u in a hurry
A smile even when you are in a great flurry..

Smile when u are stuck in traffic
Turn on the deck & feel the magic..

Smile when u have no new songs in d playlist
Don`t forget..still the radio exist..

Smile when you are full of sweat
Weather will change and turn wet..

Smile while u mask yourself
Smile even when you don`t have anyone to help
Just remember..your time will come, time will change..

Smile when u think your destiny is too long
Just start a song and walk along..

Smile after finishing the quest
That smile after giving your best..

And..those tough look with a smile u give
Your rival can be convinced and let you forgive..

Smile to weaken your enemy
This will end them with their envy..

Smile..when everything goes wrong

[...] Read more

poem by Darshil Sanghvi
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Hieroglyphic Beguile Meant

HIEROGLYPHIC BEGUILE...MEANT

I sought inspiring way to play “beguile”
blood's flood rush-blushing flush, then hibernate,
lush, hid ‘mid hieroglyphics of soft smile.
It dawned that very few can reconcile
emotions' brakes while breaking conscious state,
to draw more definitions for “beguile”.
Most, blind behind closed minds, can’t conjugate
dimensions manifold, unfold, translate,
decypher hieroglyphics of soft smile.

It takes so many lifetimes to compile
right signals light, bright eyes communicate
decoding definitions for “beguile”
into word worlds both varied, versatile,
deep, difficult to truly contemplate -
expanding hieroglyphics of soft smile.
Content observing content, context, style,
expressive inner eyes deliberate,
a worthwhile definition for “beguile”,
hidden in hieroglyphics of soft smile.

There are two definitions for “beguile”
one shares, one snares love, fair disguising hate -
what’s truth mid hieroglyphics of Your smile?
What if snare scare replaced rare care to dial
confusion more than loving fusion’s state,
refusal, ersatz aura ringed by rile?
What if those hieroglyphics hid heart vile,
whose slyness surface smiles would compensate
with blushing rushes should “beguile” prove guile.

What would remain of love’s fair sceptered isle?
Who could clear conscience e’er exonerate
from name of blame whose fame would flame defile,
mark Lethe dark, where no stark hopes beguile
lost soul, shade forfeit, damned, banned, intestate
parody pornographic, mercantile.

True torment, false beguilement takes to trial,
ensures despair, bare cell disconsolate,
Cupid's gilt arrows dipped in venom vile -
envy, greed, to feed perversions' weight
with appetites that needs exaggerate,
deform, intentions turned from narrow, straight,
to swift descent from paradise exile,
sharp fall before dupe hieroglyphic smile! ...

[...] Read more

poem by Jonathan Robin
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Smile For Me

'Smile for me!

Is somebody waiting for me?

She took this picture

Did she take it for me?

Time is ticking,

Her smile insists, just to tell her was she waiting me?

When she smiles, I feel it, I know, I see it.

When she’s happy,

Smiles so bright, gives me another reason

For her her I’d fight!

I am happy when she’s happy

I smile when she smiles

I face the fact that it’s just her smile.

But I know inside,

Deep inside that smile,

She smiles for me, just for awhile.

A picture perfected, you should see

I just love it when she smiles for me.

She inspires me to reach out my hand

Hold her close

Let her stand

[...] Read more

poem by Antonio Lockridge
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

The Door Of Humility

ENGLAND
We lead the blind by voice and hand,
And not by light they cannot see;
We are not framed to understand
The How and Why of such as He;

But natured only to rejoice
At every sound or sign of hope,
And, guided by the still small voice,
In patience through the darkness grope;

Until our finer sense expands,
And we exchange for holier sight
The earthly help of voice and hands,
And in His light behold the Light.

I

Let there be Light! The self-same Power
That out of formless dark and void
Endued with life's mysterious dower
Planet, and star, and asteroid;

That moved upon the waters' face,
And, breathing on them His intent,
Divided, and assigned their place
To, ocean, air, and firmament;

That bade the land appear, and bring
Forth herb and leaf, both fruit and flower,
Cattle that graze, and birds that sing,
Ordained the sunshine and the shower;

That, moulding man and woman, breathed
In them an active soul at birth
In His own image, and bequeathed
To them dominion over Earth;

That, by whatever is, decreed
His Will and Word shall be obeyed,
From loftiest star to lowliest seed;-
The worm and me He also made.

And when, for nuptials of the Spring
With Summer, on the vestal thorn
The bridal veil hung flowering,
A cry was heard, and I was born.

II

[...] Read more

poem by Alfred Austin
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Tale I

That all men would be cowards if they dare,
Some men we know have courage to declare;
And this the life of many a hero shows,
That, like the tide, man's courage ebbs and flows:
With friends and gay companions round them, then
Men boldly speak and have the hearts of men;
Who, with opponents seated miss the aid
Of kind applauding looks, and grow afraid;
Like timid travelers in the night, they fear
Th' assault of foes, when not a friend is near.
In contest mighty, and of conquest proud,
Was Justice Bolt, impetuous, warm, and loud;
His fame, his prowess all the country knew,
And disputants, with one so fierce, were few:
He was a younger son, for law design'd,
With dauntless look and persevering mind;
While yet a clerk, for disputation famed,
No efforts tired him, and no conflicts tamed.
Scarcely he bade his master's desk adieu,
When both his brothers from the world withdrew.
An ample fortune he from them possessed,
And was with saving care and prudence bless'd.
Now would he go and to the country give
Example how an English 'squire should live;
How bounteous, yet how frugal man may be,
By well-order'd hospitality;
He would the rights of all so well maintain.
That none should idle be, and none complain.
All this and more he purposed--and what man
Could do, he did to realise his plan;
But time convinced him that we cannot keep
A breed of reasoners like a flock of sheep;
For they, so far from following as we lead,
Make that a cause why they will not proceed.
Man will not follow where a rule is shown,
But loves to take a method of his own:
Explain the way with all your care and skill,
This will he quit, if but to prove he will. -
Yet had our Justice honour--and the crowd,
Awed by his presence, their respect avow'd.
In later years he found his heart incline,
More than in youth, to gen'rous food and wine;
But no indulgence check'd the powerful love
He felt to teach, to argue, and reprove.
Meetings, or public calls, he never miss'd -
To dictate often, always to assist.
Oft he the clergy join'd, and not a cause
Pertain'd to them but he could quote the laws;
He upon tithes and residence display'd
A fund of knowledge for the hearer's aid;

[...] Read more

poem by George Crabbe
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Satan Absolved

(In the antechamber of Heaven. Satan walks alone. Angels in groups conversing.)
Satan. To--day is the Lord's ``day.'' Once more on His good pleasure
I, the Heresiarch, wait and pace these halls at leisure
Among the Orthodox, the unfallen Sons of God.
How sweet in truth Heaven is, its floors of sandal wood,
Its old--world furniture, its linen long in press,
Its incense, mummeries, flowers, its scent of holiness!
Each house has its own smell. The smell of Heaven to me
Intoxicates and haunts,--and hurts. Who would not be
God's liveried servant here, the slave of His behest,
Rather than reign outside? I like good things the best,
Fair things, things innocent; and gladly, if He willed,
Would enter His Saints' kingdom--even as a little child.

[Laughs. I have come to make my peace, to crave a full amaun,
Peace, pardon, reconcilement, truce to our daggers--drawn,
Which have so long distraught the fair wise Universe,
An end to my rebellion and the mortal curse
Of always evil--doing. He will mayhap agree
I was less wholly wrong about Humanity
The day I dared to warn His wisdom of that flaw.
It was at least the truth, the whole truth, I foresaw
When He must needs create that simian ``in His own
Image and likeness.'' Faugh! the unseemly carrion!
I claim a new revision and with proofs in hand,
No Job now in my path to foil me and withstand.
Oh, I will serve Him well!
[Certain Angels approach. But who are these that come
With their grieved faces pale and eyes of martyrdom?
Not our good Sons of God? They stop, gesticulate,
Argue apart, some weep,--weep, here within Heaven's gate!
Sob almost in God's sight! ay, real salt human tears,
Such as no Spirit wept these thrice three thousand years.
The last shed were my own, that night of reprobation
When I unsheathed my sword and headed the lost nation.
Since then not one of them has spoken above his breath
Or whispered in these courts one word of life or death
Displeasing to the Lord. No Seraph of them all,
Save I this day each year, has dared to cross Heaven's hall
And give voice to ill news, an unwelcome truth to Him.
Not Michael's self hath dared, prince of the Seraphim.
Yet all now wail aloud.--What ails ye, brethren? Speak!
Are ye too in rebellion? Angels. Satan, no. But weak
With our long earthly toil, the unthankful care of Man.

Satan. Ye have in truth good cause.

Angels. And we would know God's plan,
His true thought for the world, the wherefore and the why
Of His long patience mocked, His name in jeopardy.

[...] Read more

poem by Wilfrid Scawen Blunt
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Smile little man

Smile little man, smile!
Show me some love
Radiate some care
Lighten up the atmosphere

Scare us not with a retarded fearful face
A smile goes a lenghty way at a steady pace
Everytime I see you, I see your frown
Your thoughts are glaring at me as if I am a vicious enemy
Demanding of you to surrender to my battalion army

Why not change your facial expressions for once
If you deem yourself not worty of silver, at least aim for bronze

Common smile little man
Show me some white teeth
Give me some love
Acknowledge I'm here

Why hath thou so miserable, day by day
A smile will make a difference to your face
Your smile will make you attractive in every place
A smile will make us listen sympathetically to your case

Drive not away the innocent ones
Allow not your frown to spoil our fun

Smile little man, smile
Smile, once, then smile twice
Smile for the ladies, smile for you
Smile for me, smile for everyone
Smile for the old ladies crossing the street
Smile little man, smile
Common give some real love for once
If you deem yourself not worty of silver, at least aim for bronze

Copyright 2005 - Sylvia Chidi

poem by Sylvia Chidi
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Smile concrete write-up

Smiling. Smile when you hit that homerun you have been waiting for all season. Smile when school gets out an hour early. Even smile when you get a present you don’t particularly like. It’s the thought that counts. A smile from a special friend can turn your frown upside down any day. You may be having the worst day you have had all year long, and a simple smile from a certain person can cheer you up like a snap. Smiling is heartwarming when you see it on some other privileged life. Smiling is the most fantastic action possible for anyone to do. When your cheek muscles turn up, it starts to hurt slightly because you smile ear to ear. Smile when you get a speedy personal record on your mile run or swim lap. Smile just to give your appreciated friends that have been there for and with you for all those years a smile they deserve. Smile when you get the only 100% on the hardest test of the year. Some think that smiling is just a reflex to laughter or being happy. Maybe it is, but I feel it is more. Smile when you get the amazing opportunity to slow dance with the boy or girl, who is better than your dreams. Smile to basically thank that you are alive. Smile when you blast your iTunes on screaming speakers at one of your teenage parties. Smile when you feel wild and passionate, swinging your hair side you side like a rock star, letting the flowing music notes fly through the air into your ears. Smile and laughter go together like a teeny Chihuahua and a mini purse on a famous celebrity’s shoulder. Rarely have one without the other. Laughter normally is if something is hysterical or if something is intensely amazing. Smiling is more generic, as in appreciated anything or anyone. Sometimes, too much smiling turns into the beautiful sound of laughter. Smile when everyone gets along. Smile when everything fits into place, with no stress whatsoever. Smile when you win first in something you love and have been working brutally on. Smile when you can be your self in front of anyone and not feel embarrassed or awkward. Smile just to smile.

poem by Khloe Chace
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

War And Peace—A Poem

THOU, bright Futurity! whose prospect beams,
In dawning radiance on our day-light dreams;
Whose lambent meteors and ethereal forms
Gild the dark clouds, and glitter thro' the storms;
On thy broad canvas fancy loves to trace,
Her brilliant Iris, drest in vivid grace;
Paints fair creations in celestial dyes,
Tints of the morn and blushes of the skies;
And bids her scenes perfection's robe assume,
The mingling flush of light, and life, and bloom.
Thou bright Futurity! whose morning-star
Still beams unveil'd, unclouded, from afar;
Whose lovely vista smiling Hope surveys,
Thro' the dim twilight of the silvery haze;

Oh! let the muse expand her wing on high,
Thy shadowy realms, thy worlds unknown descry;
Let her clear eye-beam, flashing lucid light,
Chase from thy forms th' involving shades of night;
Pierce the dark clouds that veil thy noontide rays,
And soar, exulting, in meridian blaze!
In bliss, in grief, thy radiant scenes bestow,
The zest of rapture, or the balm of woe!
For, as the sun-flower to her idol turns,
Glows in his noon, and kindles as he burns;
Expands her bosom to th' exalting fire,
Lives but to gaze, and gazes to admire;
E'en so to thee, the mind incessant flies,
From thy pure source the fount of joy supplies;
And steals from thee the sunny light that throws
A brighter blush on pleasure's living rose!
To thee pale sorrow turns her eye of tears,
Lifts the dim curtain of unmeasur'd years;
And hails thy promis'd land, th' Elysian shore,
Where weeping virtue shall bewail no more!

Now, while the sounds of martial wrath assail,
While the red banner floats upon the gale;
While dark destruction, with his legion-bands,
Waves the bright sabre o'er devoted lands;
While war's dread comet flashes thro' the air,
And fainting nations tremble at the glare;
To thee, Futurity! from scenes like these,
Pale fancy turns, for heav'n-imparted ease;
Turns to behold, in thy unclouded skies,
The orb of peace in bright perspective rise;
And pour around, with joy-diffusing ray,
Life, light, and glory, in a flood of day!

Thou, whose lov'd presence and benignant smile

[...] Read more

poem by Felicia Dorothea Hemans
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

Prince Hohenstiel-Schwangau, Saviour of Society

Epigraph

Υδραν φονεύσας, μυρίων τ᾽ ἄλλων πόνων
διῆλθον ἀγέλας . . .
τὸ λοίσθιον δὲ τόνδ᾽ ἔτλην τάλας πόνον,
. . . δῶμα θριγκῶσαι κακοῖς.

I slew the Hydra, and from labour pass'd
To labour — tribes of labours! Till, at last,
Attempting one more labour, in a trice,
Alack, with ills I crowned the edifice.

You have seen better days, dear? So have I —
And worse too, for they brought no such bud-mouth
As yours to lisp "You wish you knew me!" Well,
Wise men, 't is said, have sometimes wished the same,
And wished and had their trouble for their pains.
Suppose my Œdipus should lurk at last
Under a pork-pie hat and crinoline,
And, latish, pounce on Sphynx in Leicester Square?
Or likelier, what if Sphynx in wise old age,
Grown sick of snapping foolish people's heads,
And jealous for her riddle's proper rede, —
Jealous that the good trick which served the turn
Have justice rendered it, nor class one day
With friend Home's stilts and tongs and medium-ware,—
What if the once redoubted Sphynx, I say,
(Because night draws on, and the sands increase,
And desert-whispers grow a prophecy)
Tell all to Corinth of her own accord.
Bright Corinth, not dull Thebes, for Lais' sake,
Who finds me hardly grey, and likes my nose,
And thinks a man of sixty at the prime?
Good! It shall be! Revealment of myself!
But listen, for we must co-operate;
I don't drink tea: permit me the cigar!
First, how to make the matter plain, of course —
What was the law by which I lived. Let 's see:
Ay, we must take one instant of my life
Spent sitting by your side in this neat room:
Watch well the way I use it, and don't laugh!
Here's paper on the table, pen and ink:
Give me the soiled bit — not the pretty rose!
See! having sat an hour, I'm rested now,
Therefore want work: and spy no better work
For eye and hand and mind that guides them both,
During this instant, than to draw my pen
From blot One — thus — up, up to blot Two — thus —
Which I at last reach, thus, and here's my line
Five inches long and tolerably straight:

[...] Read more

poem by Robert Browning (1871)
Added by Veronica Serbanoiu
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!

VI. Giuseppe Caponsacchi

Answer you, Sirs? Do I understand aright?
Have patience! In this sudden smoke from hell,—
So things disguise themselves,—I cannot see
My own hand held thus broad before my face
And know it again. Answer you? Then that means
Tell over twice what I, the first time, told
Six months ago: 't was here, I do believe,
Fronting you same three in this very room,
I stood and told you: yet now no one laughs,
Who then … nay, dear my lords, but laugh you did,
As good as laugh, what in a judge we style
Laughter—no levity, nothing indecorous, lords!
Only,—I think I apprehend the mood:
There was the blameless shrug, permissible smirk,
The pen's pretence at play with the pursed mouth,
The titter stifled in the hollow palm
Which rubbed the eyebrow and caressed the nose,
When I first told my tale: they meant, you know,
"The sly one, all this we are bound believe!
"Well, he can say no other than what he says.
"We have been young, too,—come, there's greater guilt!
"Let him but decently disembroil himself,
"Scramble from out the scrape nor move the mud,—
"We solid ones may risk a finger-stretch!
And now you sit as grave, stare as aghast
As if I were a phantom: now 't is—"Friend,
"Collect yourself!"—no laughing matter more—
"Counsel the Court in this extremity,
"Tell us again!"—tell that, for telling which,
I got the jocular piece of punishment,
Was sent to lounge a little in the place
Whence now of a sudden here you summon me
To take the intelligence from just—your lips!
You, Judge Tommati, who then tittered most,—
That she I helped eight months since to escape
Her husband, was retaken by the same,
Three days ago, if I have seized your sense,—
(I being disallowed to interfere,
Meddle or make in a matter none of mine,
For you and law were guardians quite enough
O' the innocent, without a pert priest's help)—
And that he has butchered her accordingly,
As she foretold and as myself believed,—
And, so foretelling and believing so,
We were punished, both of us, the merry way:
Therefore, tell once again the tale! For what?
Pompilia is only dying while I speak!
Why does the mirth hang fire and miss the smile?
My masters, there's an old book, you should con
For strange adventures, applicable yet,

[...] Read more

poem by Robert Browning from The Ring and the Book
Added by Veronica Serbanoiu
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!