A smile

In this short poem, the poet describes how insignificant act like smiling can do unexpected thing is our lives. A smile is a simple thing but it can do a lot of things. For instance, it wrinkles up your face and we never know where it has gone. One smile makes two, when we smile at others; we are rewarded with the same. The poet considers that a small expression like 'a smile' has a magical power. It binds two people, and fosters new relationship. Besides, it also helps reduce the distance between two people.

For many people, a smile may be a thing of not much inportance but to the poet, it has a profound and everlasting effect on the two people who secretly exchange their smiles. To a lover, it may convey a positive response to his/her affection. To a stranger, it may work like a bridge for future friendship. A smile from a young kid to an aged grandmother may mean more than buying an expensive gift. Similarly, a smile to a student from his/her teacher would probably mean affirmation. Hence, a smile can do a lot of things.

According to the poem, smile is like a communicable disease because when a person smiles it communicates or transfers to another person who also smiles at you. A smile is replied by another smile. Thus, smile and you will be blessed with another smile. So, we must count our lives in how many smiles we've earned in our life, not how much money we have in the bank. Our life not only becomes meaningful but beautiful as well, when we go around wearing this small gesture in our face.

The poet describes 'a smile' as 'funny' because a simple thing it can do a lot of things. For instance, it wrinkles up your face and we never know where it has gone. Another funny thing is that, one smile makes two. When we smile at others, we are rewarded with the same, and so one smile becomes two. Hence, the poet wants to say that a small expression like 'a smile' can do a magical work. It ties our relationship and brings two soonlo alocar. It hridnos now rolationchin and renews the old one. Moreover. it reduces the distance that exists between two people. As hatred, violence, lack of trust, is growing everyday in the present world; a very small act of smile can dispel all human problems and misery. Hence, 'a smile' is a gesture full of mystery and fun.

Possible Questions from this chapter

1) Why does the poet describe 'a smile' as funny?

Ans:- Last paragraph

2) What can smile do? Elaborate.

Ans:- First paragraph

3)The poem suggests that smile is like a communicable disease. How?

Ans:- Third paragraph

4)Write an essay on the good effects of smiling on our physical and mental health.

(Make short as per your requirement)

Ans :- Many see smiling simply as an automatic response to things that bring you joy or inspire laughter. While this is certainly true, it overlooks an important point: Smiling can be a conscious, intentional choice. It appears that whether your smile is genuine or not, it can act on your body and mind in a variety of positive ways, offering benefits for your health, your mood, and even the moods of people around you.

Smiling helps you live longer: Perhaps the most compelling reason to smile is that it may lengthen your overall lifespan. Happy people seem to enjoy better health and longevity, though more research is needed to understand why that is. Research does suggest that happiness could increase lifespan by years—suggesting maintaining a happy, positive mood may be an important part of living a healthy lifestyle.

It relieves stress: Stress can fill our entire being, and it can really show up in our faces. Smiling not only helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed but it can actually help decrease stress. Believe it or not, smiling can reduce stress even if you don't feel like smiling or even if you fake it with a smile that isn't genuine. When you are stressed, take the time to put on a smile. You and those around you will reap the benefits.

It elevates mood: Next time you are feeling down, try putting on a smile. There's a good chance your mood will change for the better. The physical act of smiling actually activates pathways in your brain that influence your emotional state—meaning that by adopting a happy facial expression, you can "trick" your mind into entering a state of happiness. This holds true whether or not your smile is real.

It is communicable: Smiling not only can elevate your mood, but it can also change the moods of others for the better. Your brain automatically notices and interprets other people's facial expressions—and sometimes, you may even copy them. That means that you might meet someone else's smile and unconsciously smile yourself. Yes, it is scientifically proven that smiles are contagious.

It increases our immune system: Smiling can also boost your overall health by helping your immune system to function more effectively. It is thought that when you smile, immune function improves because you are more relaxed (thanks to the release of certain neurotransmitters).7 Whether you're trying to maintain your overall health or strengthen your immune system ahead of cold and flu season, smiling may help.

It may lower blood pressure: Smiling could have a beneficial impact on your blood pressure. Laughter specifically seems to lower blood pressure, after causing an initial increase in heart rate and breathing.8 While smiling has been shown to lower your heart rate in the face of stress, more research is needed to determine exactly how it reduces blood pressure.

It makes us attractive: We are naturally drawn to people who smile. Not only can smiling make you more attractive, but it can also make you look more youthful. The muscles we use to smile also lift the face, making a person appear younger.

It helps us stay positive: Smiling can influence your feelings of positivity, even if it feels unnatural or forced. Regardless of whether your smile is genuine, it still sends the message that "Life is good!" to your brain and, ultimately, the rest of your body.