Smile Poem by Ahmad Shiddiqi

(dedicated to Maria Sudibyo)

look tenderly at
innocence smile
of a baby

look closely at
purest smile
of a mother

look lively at
tough smile
of a father

look nicely at
sweet smile
of a lover

but is it easy
to cherish your day
with that smile?

but is it important
to refresh your life
with that smile?

but is it enough
to uplift your energy
with that smile?

but is it useful
to strengthen your love
with that smile?

smile to your enemy
suddenly you will be amazed
because it become your friend

smile to your opponent
quickly you will be charmed
because it become your fellow

smile to your nightmare
tomorrow you will be dazzled
because it become your lullaby

smile to your destiny
soon you will be enchanted
because it become your lucky day

smile is a great gift
which God give to us
to beautify our short existence

smile is a precious gift
which God give to us
to decorate our simple mind

smile is an essential gift
which God give to us
to light our lovely memory

smile is a valuable gift
which God give to us
to life our beloved feeling

(inspired by Camille Saint-Saëns’ Havanaise)